Rotation.org Writing Team
The Great Commission and Ascension of Jesus
Lesson Summaries
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Scripture for this Lesson Set
Matthew 28:16-20 "The Great Commission"
Excerpt: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them... And remember, I am with you always...."
Note: The Great Commission is the primary focus of this set.
Acts 1:1-11 Luke's second account of the Ascension of Jesus
Excerpt: "...you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere...." (and) After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud...." (then) “two white-robed men suddenly stood among them." "Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven?"
Bible Background and Lesson Objectives
Read the Bible Background for teaching and personal insights into these two stories. The Background includes extra life application questions and an explanation of the differences between the various Gospel accounts of these two important Jesus events.
One of the key Lesson Objectives for this set is to help your students develop a working memory of the Great Commission. Why? Because in addition to being one of the most quoted scriptures in the church, it's language also beautifully summarizes what a disciple needs to be doing.
Lesson Plans in this Set
Jesus' final instructions are like the road signs we see every day. This workshop features a unique "guided" art activity packet and a game that reinforces the meaning of the instructions Jesus wants us to follow.
"The Great Bible Board Game" Bible Skills and Games Workshop
The Great Bible Board Game is a big wall game that gets everyone talking about what Jesus' final instructions mean to them. The lesson plan gives you all the set-up details, printable game cards, and instructions, and incorporates the reading of scripture into the gameplay.
Computer -or- Bible Memory Workshop
This workshop's lesson plan offers two ways to help your students memorize The Great Commission --using either memory games or memory software.
Music and Drama Workshop
This extraordinary workshop draws a wonderfully memorable connection between the mega-popular song, "Home," and Jesus' encouragement and promise found in the Great Commission and Ascension. The song is introduced to your students using the amazing Jesus and Peter duet version found in the video, Passion: Live from New Orleans (preview clip included). "Home" is where the heart is when it's with Jesus. We are not called "out" of the world, but into it in his name.
Hold on, to me as we go...
Just know you’re not alone
'Cause I’m going to make this place your home
Video Workshop
We viewed over a dozen animated and movie versions of the Great Commission and Ascension to find what we think is the best for kids and most faithful. (The lesson includes the list and our remarks.) The lesson concludes with the kids making their own Great Commission and Ascension movie using a teacher's cell phone.
Commission to Mission! Workshop
Students get face-2-face with your church's mission and ministry leaders in a special "speed discussion" setting, then participate in mission and ministry assignments with that leader. Includes a special adaptation for young children.
