The Ascension – 4/29/12

Yesterday, we studied the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus. The first and second graders looked at Jesus’ appearance to the disciples in John 21 (the disciples were fishing in the Sea of Tiberias) and the third through sixth graders looked at the ascension of Jesus (Acts 1:4-11). Although both accounts chronicle Jesus’ life after His death and resurrection, we’ll look specifically at the ascension for this lesson overview.

Oftentimes, we overlook the importance of the ascension when discussing the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. This is unfortunate because of its importance in Christian doctrine and its implications for the Christian life. The ascension is important for a few reasons:

The ascension reminds us that Jesus is alive (Acts 1:1-3). Luke, who recorded details about Jesus’ life carefully, describes that after His death and resurrection, Jesus “presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God” (1:3). Our Savior is alive and this truth gives us assurance of our salvation and hope for a future resurrection.

The ascension reminds us that we have a mission today (Acts 1:4-8). The disciples were concerned with the timing of the final restoration of all things, which we are assured of through the resurrection. However, Jesus pointed out to the disciples that their (and our) focus should not be the timing of the final restoration, but rather on the present opportunity for mission. Jesus has already finished His work on the cross and we are assured of His coming again, but in the in between time, we have be called to be witnesses, being used by God to bring others into the family of God.

The ascension assures us that Jesus is coming again (Acts 1:9-11).Finally, and maybe most obviously, we can know that Jesus is coming again. The angels who gathered with those who watched Jesus ascend into heaven remarked, “This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven” (1:11). This is a major theme throughout the New Testament and it is even prophesied about in the Old Testament:  Jesus is coming back! In fact, the Bible ends with this affirmation from Jesus, “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.” (Revelation 22:20-21).

Read Acts 1:1-11 with your children and explain to them what happened when Jesus ascended into heaven. He is now at the right hand of the Father and will one day return for His people and to bring about the end of all things. In the meantime, we can spread this good news about His second coming.

Optional Activities to Help Teach about the Ascension:

• Memorize Acts 1:11
• Work on memorizing this month’s memory verse: Philippians 2:10-11 (“every knee will bow…”)
• Make a craft that reminds your child(ren) of Jesus’ return. This craft should be something that reminds your children that Jesus is alive, present among us, and returning again. An example of this craft is making a simple star to display in your child’s room. On the star write “Acts 1:11” as a reminder of Jesus’ ascension and second coming.