Once, after Jesus had come back to life, He spent time with His friends. They were happy to see Him again! Jesus talked with them, helping them understand God’s big plan. His friends listened closely, their hearts full of hope.
One day, Jesus took His friends to a special place on a mountain. The sky was bright and blue, like a big, soft blanket. Jesus looked at His friends with love and said, “Wait here and I will send you a helper.” His friends felt a little scared but also excited.
Then, something amazing happened! Jesus began to rise up into the sky. Up, up, up He went, like a balloon floating higher and higher. His friends watched with wide eyes, their mouths open in wonder. Jesus was going back to Heaven, where God lives.
As Jesus went higher, a bright cloud covered Him. It sparkled like tiny stars in the night. His friends felt warm inside because they knew Jesus was still with them, even though they couldn’t see Him anymore. They remembered His promise: “I am always with you.”
While they stood looking up, two angels appeared. They smiled and said, “Why do you stand here looking at the sky? Jesus will come back one day, just like you saw Him go!” The friends felt happy and hopeful. They knew Jesus was going to be with God, but He would come back to them someday.
Jesus told His friends to tell everyone about God’s love. “Go and tell all people the good news,” He said. “I will be with you always.” The friends felt brave and ready to share this wonderful message with everyone they met.
Even though Jesus was not on Earth anymore, His friends knew He was watching over them. They prayed and waited for the helper Jesus promised. This helper, the Holy Spirit, would give them strength and love to do God’s work.
The day Jesus went up to Heaven is called Ascension Day. It is a happy day because Jesus went to be with God, but it is also a special day because Jesus promised to come back. His friends felt like little stars shining with joy and hope.
Jesus’ friends went back to their homes, hearts full of love. They told everyone about Jesus and His great love. They knew Jesus was still with them in a new way, helping them every day.
And you know what? Jesus is with us too! Even though we cannot see Him, He loves us and helps us, just like He helped His friends long ago.
Questions to think about
- Who came back to life and talked to His friends?
- What did Jesus promise to send to His friends?
- How did Jesus go back to Heaven?
- What did the angels say to Jesus’ friends?
- What can we remember about Jesus today?
Message of the story
God loves us so much and Jesus is always with us, even when we can’t see Him. He promises to help us and to come back one day.
Bible passage
Acts 1:1-11
Acts 1:1-11 (ICB)
1 In the first book, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and teach,
2 until the day he was taken up to heaven. After he gave his chosen followers instructions through the Holy Spirit,
3 he was taken up to heaven. Before he was taken up, he showed himself alive to the followers. He showed many proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them for forty days. He spoke to them about the kingdom of God.
4 While he was eating with them, he told them, “Do not leave Jerusalem. Wait for the Father to send you what he promised. You heard me speak about this.
5 John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
6 Then
