1 of 17

The Importance of Jesus’ Resurrection

Month 8| week 3: INVITE

2 of 17

WELCOME!

3 of 17

Poppin’ Puzzle

Let’s Play!

Icebreaker Game: Poppin’ Puzzle

Materials Needed: 25-50 balloons, two sheets of paper, marker

Game Preparation: Fold paper twice creating four equal sections. Unfold and write the word GOSPEL as large as possible. Next, cut the paper along the fold lines creating your “puzzle pieces.” Crumple up the pieces and place them individually into four balloons. Repeat this process with the second sheet of paper, keeping the two “puzzles” separate. Inflate those balloons, along with the remaining balloons, and separate them into two equal piles.

Divide the group into two equal teams. Explain to the group that there are four puzzle pieces hidden in each pile of balloons, and each team must take turns popping the balloons in order to find the pieces and put the puzzle together. The first team to complete their puzzle wins.

4 of 17

Digging deeper

Option 1: Student Leader shares Gospel message (sample provided below).

Option 2: Student Leader shares testimony.

Option 3: Guest Speaker shares testimony or Gospel message.

Option 1: Gospel Presentation Sample

Share your reaction when you lost or misplaced a puzzle piece. What are some of the other examples where missing a piece or part keeps us from seeing the whole picture? (Take a few moments for students to share.)

Today we will be sharing the story of how Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection brings the story of the Gospel to completion. Just like a puzzle with a missing piece or a story that leaves out an essential detail can be frustrating, the story of God’s pursuit of us is incomplete without all the elements. Like an engine without a part, many peoples’ concepts of God are missing a vital piece that provides all the power!

The complete story of God’s love and pursuit of you is known as the Gospel or the “Good News.” The story of the Gospel is that God sent his Son, Jesus, to serve as a bridge between God and his creation, you. In his life, his friendships, his miracles, his parables or stories, and his words, God revealed his character and the attributes of his Kingdom.

But Jesus’ time here was not the end. In fact, his time on earth was just the beginning. After he was resurrected, Jesus appeared to his followers; he promised them a gift, the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit’s purpose is to guide and lead us, just as Jesus guided and led his disciples.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can live on mission with him every day.

5 of 17

What is your�reaction when you lose a �puzzle piece?

6 of 17

Key idea

The complete story of God’s

love is the gospel.

7 of 17

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth

Acts 1:8

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. (Acts 1:8)

I’m sure the second part of the Scripture wasn’t hard for the early Christians to believe. They had been following Jesus for three years, learning from him all that he knew. They cared for, healed, drove out spirits from and taught people they had come across in their travels. So it probably wasn’t a surprise when he told them that they would do something even bigger such as share what they have learned all over the region. They may not have known how that would be accomplished, but based on their time spent with him and what they saw him do, they had confidence that it would happen.

But what was probably a bit odd for them to grasp was this concept of the Holy Spirit found in the first part of the Scripture. Jesus had told them in Matthew 28:19, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” But how could that be true if they had just watched him die on a cross? They didn’t know it then, but God was going to do something even more amazing in their lives through the sending of the Holy Spirit.

8 of 17

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

John 14:26-27

9 of 17

So what…

What does it mean to me that Jesus lived, died, rose again, and then sent the Holy Spirit?

Tool time

10 of 17

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Acts 2:1-4

11 of 17

Now they were staying in Jerusalem, God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken.

Acts 2:5-6

12 of 17

What do you think it might have been like to be one of the disciples in that room?

13 of 17

14 of 17

Key idea

The good news!

15 of 17

Let’s pray

16 of 17

Let’s Celebrate!

17 of 17

Thanks

See you next time!