Supplies:

Wallet-size cards: “I am a witness when I ____.”
Pens or Pencils

Note to the Teacher

In the United States, we have seen standalone movies grow into sequels, then into franchises, and eventually into entire universes. (Pick an example that makes sense for your context: Star Wars, Marvel, Wizarding Worlds, Percy Jackson, and more.) Interconnected characters and stories, released at different times in young people's lives, can shape how they understand them. Likewise, today’s session looks at Jesus after the crucifixion. The disciples did not expect to see him again. They reconnected with their rabbi even though the disciples went in different directions immediately following the crucifixion.

Icebreaker (10 min.):

Today’s icebreaker is “You: The Sequel.” Imagine your life as a movie, but not just any movie, a sequel, a real blockbuster. The box office has never seen such an amazing film! Come up with your sequel! First, what is the title? It can be anything you want! You might choose something like “The Chaos Continues” or a very hopeful drama called “A New Chapter.” Be creative! After you come up with your title, tell us the movie's genre. Is it a comedy? Sci-Fi? A drama?

After giving students time to think, ask them to share their sequels.

Read scripture (5 min.)

As the disciples walked, Jesus walked with them, but none of them knew it was Jesus. When they realized Jesus was with them, they were afraid he was a ghost! Once they realized he wasn’t a ghost, they did the best thing you can do when you see an old friend: they fed him. Today’s scripture concerns what Jesus told the disciples after they recognized who he was. This scripture leads to the Ascension, when Jesus returned to heaven.

Read Luke 24:44-53.

Discussion (10 min.)

What’s the best (or funniest) “goodbye” you’ve heard? It may be in real life or the media. Think of famous goodbyes from literature, television, radio, or movies. How about the worst goodbye?
What kinds of things make a goodbye easy or difficult?
If you were present at the Ascension, would it feel more like a commissioning or abandonment?
What do you think would make you feel that way?
Where do you see the church living like a sequel right now?
What parts of Jesus’ story are easiest to carry forward? What parts are the hardest?
What kind of sequel do you want your faith to have?

Activity (30 min.)

Supplies:

Paper
Pens or pencils

Today, we are going to imagine what it would have been like to hear Jesus explain the Ascension to the disciples. What would it have been like to hear his words and see Jesus ascend? How do you think you would react if you were there? How would you feel? Would you be scared, surprised, excited, or angry? What would you say to the people around you? Talk as a group about what that experience might have looked like.

As a group, you will write a one-page script about what you imagine happened right after this passage. Take into consideration what everyone there was thinking, feeling, and saying. Your script should include one character for each person in your group. If there is time, we will take turns performing the short scenes for the group.

Closing
Commission Cards: Make wallet-size cards that say, “I am a witness when I ____.” Add one concrete action.