Aim to know the main events of the Pentecost story
Aim
* to know the main events of the Pentecost story
* to understand that Jesus spirit body resurrected, not his physical body
* to understand that Jesus appeared for 40 days so his work on earth could continue
Materials
* Story of the Ascension and Pentecost from Acts 1 and 2
* Visual Aids – large picture of the Ascension of Jesus and the Pentecost
* worksheet – picture and questions
Lesson Outline
1. Background information
2. Introduction
3. Story
4. Questions
5. Activity – worksheet
6. Review the lesson aim
7. Prayer
1) Background information
The word ‘Pentecost’ comes from the Greek; it simply means ‘fiftieth’ . It is celebrated on the 50th day from Easter Sunday. Historically it comes from to the Jewish harvest festival of Shavuot or the day, fifty days after the Exodus, on which God gave the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai, Pentecost now celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles as described in the Book of Acts, Chapter 2.
2) Introduction
Review Jesus’ resurrection. What happened to Jesus body? It disappeared from the tomb. Christians believe Jesus physical body came back to life, but this cannot be. He appeared through closed doors to the disciples. He disappeared when he met two disciples on the road to Emmaus, when he broke the bread. He also disappeared when Mary Magdalene recognized Jesus’ voice. A physical body cannot appear and disappear. Only a person’s spirit can do this. The disciples were given a special experience.
3) Story
a) Jesus helped the disciples catch fish
b) Jesus chose Peter to be the leader
c) On the 40th day Jesus ascended in the sky
d) On the 50th day the disciples received the Holy Spirit from God. First, they heard the sound of wind. Then tongues of fire appeared over their heads They were filled with God’s love and felt happy. They spoke in different languages. This day is called the day of the Pentecost Because people didn’t listen to Jesus and he was crucified, he couldn’t finish what he started. Jesus’ spirit appeared to his disciples for 40 days after he resurrected. He wanted them to continue what he started, to teach people the way to God and find many followers. Jesus promised they would receive help from God. The Holy Spirit filled them with love, happiness, faith, hope and courage. It gave them the power to tell people about Jesus and the power to cure sick people. On that day they went out and baptized 3,000 new followers of Jesus.
4) Questions
1. How do we know Jesus physical body did not come back to life?
He appeared and disappeared in closed rooms and he has not been on earth for 2,000 years
2. Why did Jesus return to the earth for 40 days?
He returned from spirit world so his work on earth could continue, through the disciples. He gave them new hope and faith, so they could spread Jesus’ message and find more followers
3. Why did Jesus say it was God’s plan that he die and be resurrected?
It was a secondary plan in case the people rejected Jesus. By giving his life willingly he demonstrated the highest level of love – to die for those you love. He opened a place in spiritual world, free from Satan, called paradise. Anyone who believes and follows Jesus can also be with Jesus in paradise.
4. What happened on the day of the Pentecost?
The disciples received the Holy Spirit from God:
– First, they heard the sound of wind
– Tongues of fire appeared over their heads
– They were filled with God’s love and felt happy
– They spoke in different languages
5) Activities
* Worksheet 1 – Complete each picture. Draw Jesus ascending. Draw tongues of fire above the disciples’ heads. Answer the questions.
* Worksheet 2 – Alternatively, colour the pictures of Jesus ascending and tongues of fire
6) Review the lesson aim
* to know the main events of the Pentecost story
* to understand that Jesus spirit body resurrected, not his physical body
* to understand that Jesus appeared for 40 days so his work on earth could continue
7) End with a prayer
