John 14:1-7; Acts 1:9-11; 1 John 2:28
Instructions: Every time the children hear the word "disciples" in the story, they stand and say in unison together "1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12" (because their were twelve disciples!). Have the boys and girls practice staying together as they count.
What a great time Jesus and His disciples were having together! Jesus had risen from the dead. He and His disciples were going on a walk. His friends were so excited to be with Him again.
As they walked along together, the disciples asked Jesus many questions. There were still many things they did not understand. “How long are you going to be with us?” they wanted to know.
Don’t’ be troubled,” Jesus said to his disciples. “Just trust in Me. There are many homes in heaven, and I am going to prepare them for your coming. When everything is ready, then I will come and get you, so you can be with Me where I am.”
As they continued walking, Jesus led the disciples along a road that wound around the side of a hill called the Mount of Olives. They climbed until they came to the top. There Jesus stopped. Lifting up His hands, He blessed His disciples and then He began rising into the sky and went on to heaven.
Up, up, up Jesus went until a big cloud covered Him from sight. The disciples just stood there staring at the sky. They were hoping to catch one more glimpse of Jesus. As they were straining their eyes for another look, two angels suddenly stood right alongside them.
Why are you staring up into heaven?” the angels said. “Jesus is coming back again. Don’t you remember what He told you? He’s coming back exactly the same way you just saw Him go.”
Today, Jesus is still in heaven. He is preparing a place for everyone who loves and trusts Him. The Bible says we are to “stay in happy fellowship with the Lord so when he comes we will be sure all is well” (1 John 2:28, TLB).
Someday Jesus will return to take all those who love Him to live with Him forever in heaven.
Follow-Up Questions Which Can Be Used With A Review Game:
1. What were Jesus and His disciples doing? (Taking a walk)
2. Where did Jesus take them? (To a hill)
3. What was the name of the hill? (Mount of Olives)
4. What happened on the Mount of Olives? (Jesus rose into heaven)
5. After Jesus went into heaven, who came alongside the disciples? (Two angels)
6. What did the angels say? (Jesus is coming back again)
7. Where is Jesus today? (In heaven)
