October 2, 2016

NT 40 The Great Commission and the Ascension

Reference: Matthew 28, Luke 24

Story Summary: 
     After he rose from the dead, Jesus appeared to his disciples for 40 days. After 40 days, he left earth to return to heaven. But before he did so, he gathered the 11 disciples together on a mountain.
     Jesus told them that God had give him all authority. For his very last words to them, Jesus gave them an important command. He wanted them to make new disciples, to baptize those new disciples, and to teach them to obey all the things he said to them. People who study the Bible have called this command "The Great Commission."
     After that, Jesus rose up into the sky, all the way to heaven. People who study the Bible also gave this even a special name: the Ascension.
     As the disciples were still looking up, two angels from heaven appeared. They said that Jesus would one day return to earth in the same way in which he left.
     Jesus' disciples obeyed the Great Commission. They shared the good news about Jesus dying and rising again for our sins. People believed them and became new disciples. They baptized those new disciples and taught them to obey Jesus.

Big Idea and Motions: Jesus wants us to make and baptize and teach disciples.
Jesus - form a cross with your forearms
Make - pretend to mold clay/play dough with your hands
Baptize - pretend to baptize someone
Teach - wag your finger while pretending to hold a book with the other hand
Disciples - Hold up the index finger on both hands. Bounce them to the side, as if they’re walking, with one following the other *
* This is the ASL Sign for “Disciple.”

Verse / Motions: Matthew 28:19-20, ESV - Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you...
Make disciples - pretend to mold something out of clay/play dough
All nations - gesture your arms in a wide circle
Baptizing - pretend to bend someone back and baptize them
Father, Son, Holy Spirit - count on your fingers as you say the three names
Teaching them - wag your finger like you’re teaching someone
All that I have commanded - pretend to open a Bible (where Jesus’ commands are)

Questions to Ask Throughout the Week
How many days did Jesus appear to people after he rose? // 40 days
Where did Jesus take his disciples at the beginning of our story? // On a mountain
What does authority mean and how much did Jesus have? // Being in charge, Jesus had all authority
What is the name of the special mission Jesus gave his disciples? // Great Commission
What did Jesus want them to make in the Great Commission? // New disciples
What is a disciple? // They believe the good news and follow Jesus
What two things were they to do with the new disciples? // Baptize and teach them
How did Jesus leave earth? // He ascended into heaven
What did the two angels tell the disciples? // Jesus will come back in the same way
How can you make a new disciple? // Tell them the good news, pray that God will help them believe

Google Docs Links:
Lesson - https://goo.gl/zSbIPN
Resources - https://goo.gl/TUUYKN

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