Teaching Kids About the Ascension: Lessons, Activities, and More

Explaining complex religious events to children can be a daunting task, but it also offers a unique opportunity for deep spiritual engagement. Teaching kids about the Ascension — the moment when Jesus is believed to have ascended to heaven — necessitates creativity and thoughtfulness.

This topic holds significance as it encapsulates fundamental Christian beliefs, offering lessons on faith, hope, and the continuation of Jesus’ mission through his followers.

The Story of the Ascension

The Ascension is a profound event that marks a pivotal moment in Christian theology. According to the New Testament, after his resurrection, Jesus spent forty days with his disciples, teaching them and preparing them for the mission ahead. This period was filled with moments of instruction and reassurance, as Jesus sought to fortify their faith and understanding.

On the fortieth day, Jesus led his disciples to the Mount of Olives, a place already steeped in spiritual significance. It was here that he imparted his final words, emphasizing the importance of spreading his teachings to all corners of the world. This directive, often referred to as the Great Commission, underscored the global mission that his followers were to undertake.

As Jesus spoke, a cloud enveloped him, and he was lifted up into the heavens. This imagery of Jesus ascending into the sky is both dramatic and symbolic, representing his return to divine glory and the completion of his earthly mission. The disciples, gazing upward, were left in awe and wonder, a mix of emotions swirling within them.

In the midst of their amazement, two angels appeared, offering words of comfort and assurance. They reminded the disciples that Jesus would return in the same manner they had seen him go. This promise of a future return provided hope and a sense of continuity, reinforcing the belief that Jesus’ presence would remain with them in spirit.

Key Themes to Highlight

When teaching children about the Ascension, it’s important to focus on themes that can resonate with their everyday experiences and developmental understanding. One such theme is the concept of trust. The event encourages children to trust in guidance and direction even when they cannot see the immediate results. This can be likened to trusting a parent or teacher when learning something new, reinforcing the idea that faith often involves believing in things beyond our immediate perception.

The Ascension also underscores the theme of perseverance. The disciples faced uncertainty and challenges, yet they were tasked with continuing their mission. This can be translated into lessons about persistence in the face of difficulties, and the importance of not giving up when tasks seem daunting. Children can relate this to their own experiences, whether it’s mastering a difficult subject in school or learning a new skill.

Another significant element is the theme of community and support. The disciples were not left alone; they were given a sense of purpose and the promise of spiritual support. This can be a comforting notion for children, emphasizing the importance of seeking help and working together with others. It’s a reminder that they are not alone in their journeys and can rely on family, friends, and their faith community for support.

The idea of hope is also central to the story. The promise of a future return provides a sense of optimism and assurance for the future. Teaching children about hope can help them foster a positive outlook, encouraging them to look forward to good things ahead even when current circumstances are challenging.

Crafting Scenes

Creating vivid and engaging scenes is a powerful way to help children grasp the significance of the Ascension. Start by setting the stage with sensory details that draw them into the moment. Imagine the rustling of leaves on the Mount of Olives, the warmth of the sun on their faces, and the feeling of anticipation in the air. Use descriptive language to paint a picture of the environment, making it feel tangible and real. This helps children place themselves in the story, fostering a deeper connection to the events.

As you describe Jesus’ final moments with his disciples, focus on the emotions and expressions of the characters. Capture the sense of closeness and the weight of the moment as Jesus speaks his last words. The disciples’ faces might show a mix of awe, confusion, and reverence. By highlighting these emotional nuances, children can better understand the gravity of the occasion and the disciples’ emotional journey.

Incorporate interactive elements to make the scene more immersive. For instance, you could have children act out the scene, assigning roles and encouraging them to express what their characters might be feeling. This physical engagement can make the story more memorable and relatable. Additionally, using props like simple costumes or visual aids can enhance the experience, making the story come to life in a more tangible way.

Role-Playing

Engaging children through role-playing can be an effective method to deepen their understanding of the Ascension. This interactive form of learning allows them to step into the shoes of historical figures, fostering empathy and a personal connection to the story. Begin by assigning each child a character, whether it be a disciple, an angel, or even bystanders witnessing the event. Providing simple costumes or props can enhance their immersion, making the experience more vivid and memorable.

As the role-playing unfolds, encourage the children to express what their characters might be feeling or thinking. This not only aids in comprehension but also helps them explore the emotional and spiritual dimensions of the story. For instance, a child playing a disciple might share feelings of awe and wonder, while another playing an angel might convey messages of assurance and hope. This dynamic exploration of perspectives can lead to deeper discussions and insights.

To further enrich the activity, introduce scenarios or questions that prompt the children to think critically about their roles. For example, ask them how they would spread a message of hope in their own communities, drawing parallels between the disciples’ mission and their own lives. This encourages them to apply the lessons of the story to their everyday experiences, fostering a sense of continuity and relevance.

Discussion Questions for Kids

Fostering an environment where children can openly discuss and reflect on the Ascension story is crucial for deepening their understanding. Thought-provoking questions can help them internalize the themes and apply them to their own lives. Start by asking them to describe the emotions they think the disciples felt as they watched Jesus ascend. This encourages them to empathize with the characters and understand the gravity of the event from a personal perspective.

Next, pose questions that invite them to consider the broader implications of the story. For example, ask how they think the disciples’ mission to spread Jesus’ teachings applies to their own lives today. This can lead to discussions about how they can share kindness, compassion, and faith within their own communities. Encouraging children to draw parallels between the story and their everyday experiences helps make the lessons more relatable and actionable.

Finally, explore the promises made by the angels and what they mean for the children. Ask them how the idea of Jesus returning one day makes them feel and how it influences their sense of hope and continuity. These discussions can provide comfort and a deeper sense of faith, reinforcing the idea that they are part of a larger spiritual journey.