Jesus Returns to Heaven

Acts 1:6-11


Our true story comes from a part of the Bible called Acts, which is short for “the Acts of the Apostles.” An apostle is someone who is sent to teach others about Jesus.

After Jesus came back to life, He spent time with His friends, the disciples. He talked with them, walked with them, and helped them understand many things about God.

One day, Jesus and His friends were together outside. His friends asked Him questions, because they were still learning and trying to understand what would happen next.

Jesus told them something very important. He said, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes to you. And you will tell others about Me.”

Jesus wanted His friends to share the good news—that He loves people and that God cares for everyone.

Then something amazing happened.

As His friends were watching Him, Jesus began to go up—up into the sky! Higher and higher He went, until a cloud covered Him, and they could not see Him anymore.

His friends stood there, looking up into the sky.

Suddenly, two angels appeared beside them. The angels said, “Why are you looking up into the sky? Jesus will come back again someday.”

That must have helped Jesus’ friends feel better. They knew Jesus was not gone forever. And they remembered the special job He gave them—to tell others about Him.

And that is just what they would begin to do.

Key Takeaway for Preschoolers

Jesus went to Heaven, and we can tell others about Him.


Dear God,

Thank You for sending Jesus to love us and teach us. Thank You that Jesus is alive and with You in Heaven. Help us remember that Jesus is always with us, even when we cannot see Him. Help us tell others about Jesus and His love. We love you, God.

In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.





Bible Verse: “You will be My witnesses.” — Acts 1:8, BSB

Paraphrase: We can tell others about Jesus.



Activities

These activities help preschoolers engage with the story through movement, crafts, music, and storytelling, making the lesson fun and memorable.


1. "Up to Heaven" Lift Game

Objective: Help children understand that Jesus went up to Heaven.

Materials: None

Activity:

  • Have children stand in an open space.
  • Ask them to crouch down low.
  • Say, “Jesus went UP to Heaven!” and have them slowly stand up and stretch their arms high into the sky.
  • Repeat several times, encouraging them to reach higher each time.
  • You can vary it by saying, “Let’s watch Jesus go up!” and have them follow with their eyes and hands.

Talk About It: “Where did Jesus go? Yes—Jesus went up to Heaven!”


2. "Cloud Watching" Craft

Objective: Help children visualize the cloud that hid Jesus.

Materials: Blue construction paper, Cotton balls, Glue sticks

Activity:

  • Give each child a piece of blue paper.
  • Help them glue cotton balls onto the paper to make clouds.
  • As they work, explain that a cloud covered Jesus when He went up to Heaven.
  • Encourage them to point to their clouds and say, “Jesus went to Heaven!”

Talk About It: “What covered Jesus? A cloud! And where is Jesus now? In Heaven!”


3. “Tell the Good News” Sharing Game

Objective: Encourage children to practice telling others about Jesus.

Materials: A small ball or soft object

Activity:

  • Have children sit in a circle.
  • Roll or gently toss the ball to one child at a time.
  • When a child receives the ball, help them say a simple phrase such as: “Jesus loves you!” or “Jesus is alive!”
  • Continue until each child has had a turn.

Talk About It: “What can we tell others? We can tell them about Jesus!”


4. “Jesus Went Up to Heaven” Song (Tune: Frère Jacques)

Objective: Reinforce the story through music and movement.

Materials: None

Activity: 

  • Teach children the following simple song:

            Jesus went to Heaven,
            Jesus went to Heaven,
            Up so high, up so high,
            Friends watched Him go up,
            Friends watched Him go up,
            To the sky, to the sky.

  • As you sing, have children point upward and raise their hands.
  • Encourage gentle swaying or marching in place while singing.
  • Repeat several times to help them learn the words.

Talk About It: “What did Jesus’ friends do? They watched Him go up to Heaven!”

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Story illustrations are the copyright of James M. Thomas. All rights reserved.
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