The Holy Spirit Comes

Acts 2:1-47; Genesis 11:1-9 New Testament PrincipleJoy

On Pentecost, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit like a rushing wind and tongues of fire. The disciples told about Jesus in many languages, Peter preached, and 3,000 people believed. The church was born with great joy.

The Holy Spirit is God's gift to everyone who trusts Jesus, and He fills God's people with real, deep joy.

CreationGod made it
FallWe broke it
RedemptionJesus fixes it (this lesson)
RestorationJesus makes it new

Memory verse

“And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Acts 2:21 BSB

Christ Connection · Jesus’ plan

Peter said the risen Jesus, exalted to God's right hand, "has poured out what you now see and hear" (Acts 2:33). Pentecost is Jesus keeping His promise to send the Helper. Peter's whole sermon points to Jesus, crucified and raised, as Lord and Christ.

Acts 2:32-36; John 14:16-17; John 16:7

The Big Story · Redemption

Since Babel, people have been scattered and divided. At Pentecost, the risen Jesus poured out His Spirit to gather people from every nation into one family, the first harvest of a new creation.

Printables

This lesson is free for everyone: the Teacher Guide, all four age versions and every handout. Print as many copies as you need.

Teacher Guide Preschool K–2nd 3rd–4th 5th–6th

Use it on your phone

Teacher Guide Preschool K–2nd 3rd–4th 5th–6th

Teacher Guide

On Pentecost, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit like a rushing wind and tongues of fire. The disciples told about Jesus in many languages, Peter preached, and 3,000 people believed. The church was born with great joy.

Heads-up for parents: This lesson tells how the first believers responded to Peter's message by repenting and being baptized (Acts 2:38, 41). Older kids read this; younger kids hear it only briefly. If your child asks about following Jesus or about baptism, we'd love for you to talk with them or connect them with a church leader.

Before class

Read Acts 2:1-47 and Genesis 11:1-9.
Print one handout per child for their age group.
For Theo's Workshop, gather square paper (6 x 6 inches), pencils with erasers, push pins, a ruler, scissors and a small fan or hair dryer on the cool setting.
Learn to say "Jesus loves you" in two or three other languages for the opening hook (for example, Spanish "Jesús te ama," French "Jésus t'aime").

Supplies

Square paper (6 x 6 inches)
Pencils with erasers
Push pins (adult use)
Ruler
Scissors
A small fan or hair dryer (cool setting)
Red, orange and yellow tissue paper
Tape
Bread or crackers
Printed handouts (one per child)
Crayons
Bibles (one per child in 3rd–6th grade)
Markers

Class plan

Welcome and opening hook	5 min
Bible story	10 min
Talk about it	8 min
Theo's Workshop or activity	12 min
Review game	5 min
Live It	0 min
Total	40 min

Background

About 120 believers had been praying together in Jerusalem since Jesus went to heaven (Acts 1:14-15). On the day of Pentecost, a harvest festival fifty days after Passover, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like a violent rushing wind filled the house. They saw what looked like tongues of fire resting on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages (2:1-4).

Jerusalem was full of Jewish visitors "from every nation under heaven." Hearing the sound, a crowd gathered, amazed that these Galileans were speaking in their own native languages about "the wonders of God." Some mocked, "They have had too much wine!" (2:5-13).

Peter stood up. It was only nine in the morning, he said; this was what the prophet Joel had promised, God pouring out His Spirit on all people (2:14-21). Then he told them about Jesus: they had crucified Him, but God raised Him from the dead, and now, exalted at God's right hand, Jesus had poured out the Spirit. "God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ!" (2:22-36).

The people were cut to the heart. "Brothers, what shall we do?" Peter answered, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (2:37-38). About 3,000 believed and were baptized that day. They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking bread and prayer, and ate together "with glad and sincere hearts, praising God" (2:41-47).

Responding to Jesus. This is the series' main "responding to Jesus" lesson. Like the crowd, kids may ask, "What should I do?" Invite them gently, with no pressure, to trust Jesus, turn from sin and follow Him. Encourage younger kids to talk with their parents. If older kids ask about baptism, explain that the first believers were baptized as a sign that they belonged to Jesus, and invite them to talk with a parent or church leader.

Bible Times

The feast of Pentecost

Pentecost was a harvest festival, also called the Feast of Weeks (Leviticus 23:15-21). Jewish people from many countries traveled to Jerusalem to celebrate the first wheat harvest and thank God. So the city was packed with visitors who spoke many different languages.

Many languages

Jews had been scattered across the Roman Empire and beyond for hundreds of years. Many grew up speaking Greek, Latin, Aramaic, Persian, Egyptian or Arabic. When the disciples, who were from Galilee, spoke their home languages, the visitors were amazed.

Where were they?

The believers were together in one place, probably a house in Jerusalem near the temple. About 120 followers of Jesus had been meeting and praying there since He went to heaven (Acts 1:15).

Dasch Digs Up: Did You Know?

"Pentecost" means "fiftieth." It came 50 days after Passover.

Acts 2:1

The sound was like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house!

Acts 2:2

Acts names people from 15 different places who heard the disciples in their own language.

Acts 2:9-11

It was only 9 in the morning, so the disciples couldn't be drunk, Peter said!

Acts 2:15

About 3,000 people believed and were baptized in one day.

Acts 2:41

The first believers ate together "with glad and sincere hearts."

Acts 2:46

Christ Connection: Jesus’ plan

Pentecost is Jesus keeping His promise. Before He died, He said, "I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper to be with you forever, the Spirit of truth" (John 14:16-17), and "It is for your benefit that I am going away" (John 16:7). Peter explains that the risen, exalted Jesus "has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear" (Acts 2:33).

The whole sermon is about Jesus. The Spirit didn't come to point to Himself but to Jesus (John 15:26). And the joy of the first church came from knowing their sins were forgiven and that Jesus is Lord.

Words to know

Pentecost: A harvest feast 50 days after Passover.
Holy Spirit: God the Spirit, who lives in Jesus' followers.
Repent: To turn away from sin and turn to God.
Baptize: To wash with water as a sign of belonging to Jesus.
Church: God's family of people who follow Jesus.
Joy: Deep gladness that comes from God.
Babel: The city where God confused people's language.

Say it right

Pentecost: PEN-tih-kost
Joel: JOH-ul
Babel: BAY-bul
Mesopotamia: mes-uh-puh-TAY-mee-uh

Object lesson

You can't see the wind 5 min

You’ll need: A small fan or hair dryer (cool setting), Red, orange and yellow tissue paper

Tape strips of tissue paper to the edge of a table. Ask, "Can you see the wind?" (No.)
Turn on the fan. Ask, "Now can you tell the wind is there?" (Yes! The paper moves.)
Say, "Jesus said the Spirit is like the wind (John 3:8). We can't see Him, but we can see what He does."
Ask, "What did the Holy Spirit do at Pentecost?" (Gave power, gave words, changed hearts, brought joy.)

The point: We can't see the Holy Spirit, but we can see His work in people who follow Jesus, especially boldness to tell about Jesus and deep joy (Acts 2:4, 46; John 3:8).

Theo’s Workshop

Build challenge

Wind-powered pinwheels 15 min

You’ll need: Square paper (6 x 6 inches), Pencils with erasers, Push pins (adult use), Ruler, Scissors, A small fan or hair dryer (cool setting)

Use the ruler to draw lines from each corner toward the center of the square. Stop each line 1 inch from the center.
Cut along the four lines. Bend every other point into the center (four points) and hold them together.
An adult pushes a pin through the points and the center into the pencil eraser. Leave a little space so it spins.
Test it! Blow on it, then hold it in front of the fan. Try it close to the fan, then 1 foot away, then 3 feet away. Which spins fastest?
Make a second pinwheel with longer cuts (stop 1/2 inch from the center). Does it catch more wind?
Read Acts 2:2. Ask, "What did the sound of the wind tell the disciples was happening?"

How it works: A pinwheel turns because its curved blades catch moving air and push it to the side, and the push sends the blade the other way, round and round. Longer, bigger blades catch more air. Wind is strongest close to the fan and spreads out as it travels, so the pinwheel slows down farther away. You can't see the air, but you can see its power.

The point: The disciples heard a sound like a mighty wind, and then they were filled with the Holy Spirit's power. Just as we can't see wind but can see what it moves, we can't see the Spirit, but we can see Him moving God's people to speak about Jesus with joy.

Safety: Adults handle push pins and scissors for younger kids. Keep fingers and hair away from the fan.

Act it out

The day of Pentecost 10 min

Parts: Narrator, Peter, John, Believers, Visitors from many lands, Mocker

Props: Red, orange and yellow tissue paper, A small fan or hair dryer (cool setting)

NarratorJesus' friends were praying together in Jerusalem.

NarratorSuddenly there was a sound like a rushing wind! (Turn on the fan.)

Believers(amazed, little paper flames held over heads) Whoa!

NarratorThey were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to praise God in other languages.

VisitorsWe hear them in our own languages! How can this be?

MockerThey've just had too much wine!

PeterNo! It's only nine in the morning! God promised to pour out His Spirit. Jesus died, but God raised Him from the dead!

VisitorsWhat should we do?

PeterTurn from your sin. Be baptized in the name of Jesus. You'll be forgiven and receive the Holy Spirit!

NarratorThat day, about 3,000 people believed.

EveryoneEveryone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved!

Review game

Pass the flame 5 min

You’ll need: Red, orange and yellow tissue paper

Crumple tissue paper into a "flame." Kids pass it around the circle while you play or sing.
When the music stops, whoever holds the flame answers a review question. Each right answer, everyone cheers, "Glad hearts!"

Tips by age

Preschool: Use the fan and paper flames. Keep it simple, "God sent His Spirit, and people were so happy!"
K–2nd: Let kids try saying "Jesus loves you" in other languages. Ask, "Why did God let everyone hear in their own language?"
3rd–4th: Compare Genesis 11:1-9 with Acts 2:5-11. Ask how Pentecost is like Babel turned around.
5th–6th: Read Acts 2:22-41. Trace Peter's argument and discuss what the crowd's question and Peter's answer teach about responding to Jesus.

Song ideas

I've Got the JoyPreschool, K–2nd
This Little Light of MinePreschool · Traditional
Spirit of the Living GodK–2nd, 3rd–4th, 5th–6th · Hymn
Joy to the World3rd–4th · Hymn
Holy Spirit5th–6th · Modern worship song

Song titles only. Use any recording or songbook your church has permission to use.

Note for parents

Today we learned how the Holy Spirit came. On the day of Pentecost, the disciples heard a sound like a rushing wind and saw little flames on each person. The Holy Spirit filled them, and they told about Jesus in languages they had never learned! Peter preached about Jesus, and 3,000 people believed and were baptized.

Ask at dinner: What does the Holy Spirit do for people who trust Jesus? What makes you truly joyful?

This lesson invites kids to respond to Jesus. If your child has questions about following Jesus or about baptism, we'd love for you to talk with them, or bring them to a church leader.

Memory verse: "And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." (Acts 2:21)

Going deeper

Genesis 11:1-9; Exodus 32:28; Joel 2:28-32; John 14:16-17; Romans 15:13; Galatians 5:22-23

Preschool (ages 3–5)

God sent His Spirit.

Memory verse

“Call on Jesus and be saved!”

Adapted from Acts 2:21

Start here

Turn on a fan. Ask, "Can you feel that? Can you see it?" Let kids feel the air. Say, "Today God sends something we can't see, but it changes everything!"

Peter preaching to a huge crowd of people from many nations in the streets of Jerusalem.

Bible story 4 min

Jesus went back to heaven. His friends waited and prayed, just like He said.

Then one day, whoosh! They heard a sound like a big wind! Little flames were on top of each friend. But no one got burned!

God sent His Holy Spirit to live in them! They were filled with joy.

Say it togetherGod sent His Spirit!

Lots of people from far away were in town. Jesus' friends talked to them. Everyone heard about Jesus in their very own language!

Many, many people believed in Jesus that day. They were so glad! They ate together and praised God.

Say it togetherGod sent His Spirit!

Talk about it

What did the sound sound like?
Answer help
A big wind! Whoosh!
Who did God send?
Answer help
The Holy Spirit!
What makes you joyful?
Answer help
Jesus loves me!

Activities

Wind and flames 5 min

You’ll need: Red, orange and yellow tissue paper, A small fan or hair dryer (cool setting)

Give each child a tissue-paper "flame" to hold over their head.
Turn on the fan and let kids wave their flames and twirl. Say, "God sent His Spirit, and they were so glad!"

Color the happy friends 10 min

You’ll need: Printed handouts, Crayons

Give each child the coloring page of Jesus' friends with little flames.
Color the flames red, orange and yellow.

Theo’s Workshop · Build challenge

Wind-powered pinwheels 15 min

You’ll need: Square paper (6 x 6 inches), Pencils with erasers, Push pins (adult use), Ruler, Scissors, A small fan or hair dryer (cool setting)

Use the ruler to draw lines from each corner toward the center of the square. Stop each line 1 inch from the center.
Cut along the four lines. Bend every other point into the center (four points) and hold them together.
An adult pushes a pin through the points and the center into the pencil eraser. Leave a little space so it spins.
Test it! Blow on it, then hold it in front of the fan. Try it close to the fan, then 1 foot away, then 3 feet away. Which spins fastest?
Make a second pinwheel with longer cuts (stop 1/2 inch from the center). Does it catch more wind?
Read Acts 2:2. Ask, "What did the sound of the wind tell the disciples was happening?"

Safety: Adults handle push pins and scissors for younger kids. Keep fingers and hair away from the fan.

Student handout

Copy one for each child. The front is a coloring page. The back is a take-home page for families, with questions to ask, the week’s challenge and a cut-out memory verse card.

Download the handout

Included with the lesson: it never costs an extra download. Print front and back. It’s also at the end of the full Preschool (ages 3–5) PDF. Answers are in the Teacher Guide.

Real life today with Theo

At home

The Holy Spirit helps Jesus' friends be kind and full of joy. You can ask God to help you be glad and kind.

At church

At church, people from lots of different families love Jesus together. That makes us glad!

Sing and move

I've Got the Joy
This Little Light of MineTraditional

Our chant: Whoosh!

Whoosh went the wind, (wave arms)
Flames on each head, (hands over head like a flame)
God sent His Spirit, (point up)
Just like Jesus said! (thumbs up)

Live It

This week, tell someone, "Jesus loves you!" and ask God to fill you with joy.

Pray together

Dear God, thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit. Fill me with joy, and help me tell others about Jesus. Amen.

Kindergarten – 2nd grade

Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to His friends like wind and fire. They told people about Jesus in many languages, and 3,000 people believed. God's people were full of joy!

Memory verse

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Adapted from Acts 2:21

Start here

Say "Jesus loves you" in Spanish and French. Ask, "Did you understand that?" Then say it in English. Say, "Today God helps people hear about Jesus in their very own language!"

The first believers sharing bread together joyfully in a home.

Bible story 6 min

Jesus' friends were praying together in the big city. It was a holiday called Pentecost.

All at once, they heard a sound like a strong wind! It filled the house. Little flames sat on each person. God filled them with the Holy Spirit! They began to talk in new languages.

People from many lands were in the city. They heard the noise and ran over. "We hear them in our own language!" they said. "How can this be?"

Peter stood up. "God sent His Spirit, just as He said He would! Jesus died. But God raised Him back to life. Jesus is Lord!"

The people asked, "What should we do?" Peter said, "Turn from your sins. Follow Jesus!" That day, 3,000 people believed. They were baptized.

The new believers were so glad! They ate together. They prayed together. They praised God. The church had begun!

Say it togetherEveryone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved!

Talk about it

What sound did they hear?
Answer help
A sound like a strong wind.
How many people believed that day?
Answer help
About 3,000!
Why do you think the new believers were so joyful?
Answer help
Their sins were forgiven, and Jesus is alive!
Who could you tell about Jesus?

Activities

Hello in many languages 8 min

You’ll need: Markers

Teach "Jesus loves you" in two or three languages. Kids walk around and greet each other in different languages.
Say, "At Pentecost, everyone heard about Jesus in their own language!"

Color Peter and the crowd 10 min

You’ll need: Printed handouts, Crayons

Kids color Peter telling the big crowd about Jesus.
Say the memory verse together.

The day of Pentecost 10 min

Parts: Narrator, Peter, John, Believers, Visitors from many lands, Mocker

Props: Red, orange and yellow tissue paper, A small fan or hair dryer (cool setting)

NarratorJesus' friends were praying together in Jerusalem.

NarratorSuddenly there was a sound like a rushing wind! (Turn on the fan.)

Believers(amazed, little paper flames held over heads) Whoa!

NarratorThey were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to praise God in other languages.

VisitorsWe hear them in our own languages! How can this be?

MockerThey've just had too much wine!

PeterNo! It's only nine in the morning! God promised to pour out His Spirit. Jesus died, but God raised Him from the dead!

VisitorsWhat should we do?

PeterTurn from your sin. Be baptized in the name of Jesus. You'll be forgiven and receive the Holy Spirit!

NarratorThat day, about 3,000 people believed.

EveryoneEveryone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved!

Theo’s Workshop · Build challenge

Wind-powered pinwheels 15 min

You’ll need: Square paper (6 x 6 inches), Pencils with erasers, Push pins (adult use), Ruler, Scissors, A small fan or hair dryer (cool setting)

Use the ruler to draw lines from each corner toward the center of the square. Stop each line 1 inch from the center.
Cut along the four lines. Bend every other point into the center (four points) and hold them together.
An adult pushes a pin through the points and the center into the pencil eraser. Leave a little space so it spins.
Test it! Blow on it, then hold it in front of the fan. Try it close to the fan, then 1 foot away, then 3 feet away. Which spins fastest?
Make a second pinwheel with longer cuts (stop 1/2 inch from the center). Does it catch more wind?
Read Acts 2:2. Ask, "What did the sound of the wind tell the disciples was happening?"

Safety: Adults handle push pins and scissors for younger kids. Keep fingers and hair away from the fan.

Student handout

Copy one for each child. The front is a one-page activity sheet with puzzles, Dasch’s facts and the memory verse. The back is a take-home page for families, with questions to ask, the week’s challenge and a cut-out memory verse card. After that come the activity pages for this lesson’s printed activities.

Download the handout

Included with the lesson: it never costs an extra download. Print front and back. It’s also at the end of the full Kindergarten – 2nd grade PDF. Answers are in the Teacher Guide.

Real life today with Theo

At school

The Holy Spirit gave Peter courage to talk about Jesus. He can help you be brave too.

At home

Real joy comes from knowing Jesus. When you're sad, you can still be glad that Jesus loves you.

At church

The first church prayed and ate together. Our church family does that too!

Sing and move

I've Got the Joy
Spirit of the Living GodHymn

Our chant: Wind and fire

Wind went whoosh, (wave arms)
Fire on each head, (flame hands)
Peter preached, (cup hands to mouth)
Three thousand fed! (arms wide)

Live It

The Holy Spirit gives joy to everyone who follows Jesus. If you want to follow Jesus, talk with your mom or dad about it. And this week, tell one person something you love about Jesus.

Pray together

Dear Jesus, thank You for sending the Holy Spirit. Fill us with joy and courage. Help us follow You and tell others about You. Amen.

More to explore

Dasch Digs Up: Did You Know?

Acts names people from 15 different places who heard the disciples in their own language. Acts 2:9-11
It was only 9 in the morning, so the disciples couldn't be drunk, Peter said! Acts 2:15
The first believers ate together "with glad and sincere hearts." Acts 2:46

The feast of Pentecost

Many languages

Where were they?

The believers were together in one place, probably a house in Jerusalem near the temple. About 120 followers of Jesus had been meeting and praying there since He went to heaven (Acts 1:15).

Words to know

Pentecost: A harvest feast 50 days after Passover.
Holy Spirit: God the Spirit, who lives in Jesus' followers.
Repent: To turn away from sin and turn to God.
Baptize: To wash with water as a sign of belonging to Jesus.
Church: God's family of people who follow Jesus.
Joy: Deep gladness that comes from God.
Babel: The city where God confused people's language.

3rd – 4th grade

At Pentecost the risen Jesus poured out the Holy Spirit. The disciples spoke in many languages, Peter preached Jesus crucified and risen, 3,000 responded by repenting and being baptized, and the new church overflowed with joy.

Start here

Ask, "If you heard a huge wind inside a house but nothing blew away, what would you think?" Let them guess. Say, "That's how one of the most important days in history began."

Bible story 8 min

On the day of Pentecost, the believers were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like a strong, rushing wind came from heaven. It filled the whole house. They saw what looked like flames of fire. The flames split apart and rested on each person. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit. They began to speak in other languages as the Spirit gave them the words.

Jews from every nation were staying in Jerusalem. They heard the sound and gathered in a crowd. They were amazed, because each one heard the believers speaking in his own language. "Aren't these men from Galilee?" they asked. "How can we each hear them in our own home language?" But some laughed. "They're drunk!"

Peter stood up and spoke loudly. "These people aren't drunk. It's only nine in the morning! This is what God promised through the prophet Joel. He would pour out His Spirit on all people. Jesus was killed on a cross, but God raised Him from the dead. Now He has poured out the Spirit you see and hear. God has made Jesus both Lord and Christ!"

The people felt sorry in their hearts. "What should we do?" they asked. Peter said, "Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Your sins will be forgiven, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." About 3,000 people believed and were baptized that day.

The new believers learned from the apostles. They prayed and ate together. They shared what they had. They praised God with glad hearts.

Talk about it

What two signs came before the Spirit filled the believers (2:2-3)?
Answer help
A sound like wind and what looked like tongues of fire.
Who poured out the Holy Spirit, according to Peter (2:33)?
Answer help
The risen Jesus, from the Father's right hand.
What did Peter tell the people to do (2:38)?
Answer help
Repent, be baptized in Jesus' name, be forgiven and receive the Spirit.
How would you answer if someone asked you, "What should I do about Jesus?"

Ellie Asks: Think It Through

Why were the new believers so joyful (2:46-47)?
Answer help
Their sins were forgiven, they belonged to God's family, and Jesus is Lord.

Activities

Babel and Pentecost 12 min

You’ll need: Bibles, Pencils, Printed handouts

In pairs, read Genesis 11:1-9 and Acts 2:1-11.
Fill in the chart comparing the two stories.
Answer the questions.

Pinwheel race 8 min

You’ll need: Square paper (6 x 6 inches), Pencils with erasers, A small fan or hair dryer (cool setting)

Using the pinwheels from Theo's Workshop, kids take turns spinning them in front of the fan.
Each spin, answer a review question. The pinwheel keeps spinning as long as the answers keep coming!

The day of Pentecost 10 min

Parts: Narrator, Peter, John, Believers, Visitors from many lands, Mocker

Props: Red, orange and yellow tissue paper, A small fan or hair dryer (cool setting)

NarratorJesus' friends were praying together in Jerusalem.

NarratorSuddenly there was a sound like a rushing wind! (Turn on the fan.)

Believers(amazed, little paper flames held over heads) Whoa!

NarratorThey were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to praise God in other languages.

VisitorsWe hear them in our own languages! How can this be?

MockerThey've just had too much wine!

PeterNo! It's only nine in the morning! God promised to pour out His Spirit. Jesus died, but God raised Him from the dead!

VisitorsWhat should we do?

PeterTurn from your sin. Be baptized in the name of Jesus. You'll be forgiven and receive the Holy Spirit!

NarratorThat day, about 3,000 people believed.

EveryoneEveryone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved!

Theo’s Workshop · Build challenge

Wind-powered pinwheels 15 min

You’ll need: Square paper (6 x 6 inches), Pencils with erasers, Push pins (adult use), Ruler, Scissors, A small fan or hair dryer (cool setting)

Use the ruler to draw lines from each corner toward the center of the square. Stop each line 1 inch from the center.
Cut along the four lines. Bend every other point into the center (four points) and hold them together.
An adult pushes a pin through the points and the center into the pencil eraser. Leave a little space so it spins.
Test it! Blow on it, then hold it in front of the fan. Try it close to the fan, then 1 foot away, then 3 feet away. Which spins fastest?
Make a second pinwheel with longer cuts (stop 1/2 inch from the center). Does it catch more wind?
Read Acts 2:2. Ask, "What did the sound of the wind tell the disciples was happening?"

Safety: Adults handle push pins and scissors for younger kids. Keep fingers and hair away from the fan.

Student handout

Download the handout

Included with the lesson: it never costs an extra download. Print front and back. It’s also at the end of the full 3rd – 4th grade PDF. Answers are in the Teacher Guide.

Real life today with Theo

At school

The Spirit gave fishermen courage to speak to thousands. He can give you courage to say one true thing about Jesus.

At home

The joy of the first church wasn't about having a lot. It was about having Jesus and each other.

At church

The first believers learned, prayed, ate and shared together (2:42). That's still what church is about.

Sing and move

Spirit of the Living GodHymn
Joy to the WorldHymn

Our chant: Call and response

Leader: What did the crowd ask?
Kids: What should we do?
Leader: What did Peter say?
Kids: Turn to Jesus!
Leader: How did they feel?
Kids: Full of joy!

Live It

Like the crowd at Pentecost, you can ask, "What should I do about Jesus?" Trust Him, turn from sin and follow Him. If you want to talk about following Jesus or being baptized, talk with a parent or church leader. And look for real joy in Jesus this week.

Pray together

Lord Jesus, thank You for pouring out Your Holy Spirit. Thank You that everyone who calls on Your name will be saved. Fill us with Your joy and courage, and help us follow You. Amen.

More to explore

Dasch Digs Up: Did You Know?

"Pentecost" means "fiftieth." It came 50 days after Passover. Acts 2:1
The sound was like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house! Acts 2:2
Acts names people from 15 different places who heard the disciples in their own language. Acts 2:9-11
It was only 9 in the morning, so the disciples couldn't be drunk, Peter said! Acts 2:15
The first believers ate together "with glad and sincere hearts." Acts 2:46

Where were they?

The believers were together in one place, probably a house in Jerusalem near the temple. About 120 followers of Jesus had been meeting and praying there since He went to heaven (Acts 1:15).

Words to know

Pentecost: A harvest feast 50 days after Passover.
Holy Spirit: God the Spirit, who lives in Jesus' followers.
Repent: To turn away from sin and turn to God.
Baptize: To wash with water as a sign of belonging to Jesus.
Church: God's family of people who follow Jesus.
Joy: Deep gladness that comes from God.
Babel: The city where God confused people's language.

5th – 6th grade

At Pentecost the exalted Jesus poured out the promised Spirit, reversing Babel and fulfilling Joel. Peter's sermon called the crowd to repent and be baptized, 3,000 received new life, and the Spirit-filled church was marked by deep joy.

Start here

Ask, "What's the difference between happiness and joy?" Let them discuss. Say, "Today's story ends with people who had just given up a lot, yet were overflowing with joy. Let's find out why."

Bible story 10 min

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

Now there were God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven staying in Jerusalem. When this sound rang out, a crowd came together in confusion. Each one heard them speaking his own language. They were amazed. "Are not all these men Galileans? How is it that each of us hears them in his own native language?" Others mocked them. "They are drunk on new wine!"

Then Peter stood up with the Eleven. "These men are not drunk. It's only nine in the morning! This is what the prophet Joel said: 'In the last days, God says, I will pour out My Spirit on all people.' Jesus of Nazareth was handed over, and you put Him to death on a cross. But God raised Him up, setting Him free from death. Exalted to the right hand of God, He has poured out what you now see and hear. So let all Israel know for certain: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ!"

When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart. "Brothers, what shall we do?" Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added that day.

They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Every day they met together and ate with glad and sincere hearts, praising God.

Talk about it

Outline Peter's sermon: what did he say about the Spirit, about Jesus, and about what to do?
Answer help
The Spirit fulfills Joel; Jesus was crucified, raised and exalted as Lord and Christ; repent and be baptized.
Why was the crowd "cut to the heart" (2:37)?
Answer help
They realized they had crucified the One God made Lord and Christ.
The crowd asked, "What shall we do?" How would you respond to Jesus today?

Ellie Asks: Think It Through

Compare Exodus 32:28 with Acts 2:41 and 2 Corinthians 3:6. What do the two 3,000s show?
Answer help
The law brought death to 3,000 at Sinai; the Spirit brought life to 3,000 at Pentecost. The letter kills, the Spirit gives life.
How is the joy of Acts 2:46 different from ordinary happiness?
Answer help
It comes from forgiveness and the Spirit's presence, not from circumstances. It's a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22).

Activities

Promise, power and response 15 min

You’ll need: Bibles, Pencils, Printed handouts

Read Genesis 11:1-9, Exodus 32:28, Joel 2:28-32, John 16:7, Acts 2:36-41 and Galatians 5:22-23.
Chart what each passage shows about God's plan and the Spirit's work.
Finish the sentence – "The joy the Holy Spirit gives is different from happiness because…"

What shall I do? 8 min

You’ll need: Pencils, Printed handouts

Write what you would have felt hearing Peter's sermon.
Write your own answer to "What shall we do?"
Write where you need the Spirit's joy and courage this week.

The day of Pentecost 10 min

Parts: Narrator, Peter, John, Believers, Visitors from many lands, Mocker

Props: Red, orange and yellow tissue paper, A small fan or hair dryer (cool setting)

NarratorJesus' friends were praying together in Jerusalem.

NarratorSuddenly there was a sound like a rushing wind! (Turn on the fan.)

Believers(amazed, little paper flames held over heads) Whoa!

NarratorThey were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to praise God in other languages.

VisitorsWe hear them in our own languages! How can this be?

MockerThey've just had too much wine!

PeterNo! It's only nine in the morning! God promised to pour out His Spirit. Jesus died, but God raised Him from the dead!

VisitorsWhat should we do?

PeterTurn from your sin. Be baptized in the name of Jesus. You'll be forgiven and receive the Holy Spirit!

NarratorThat day, about 3,000 people believed.

EveryoneEveryone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved!

Theo’s Workshop · Build challenge

Wind-powered pinwheels 15 min

You’ll need: Square paper (6 x 6 inches), Pencils with erasers, Push pins (adult use), Ruler, Scissors, A small fan or hair dryer (cool setting)

Use the ruler to draw lines from each corner toward the center of the square. Stop each line 1 inch from the center.
Cut along the four lines. Bend every other point into the center (four points) and hold them together.
An adult pushes a pin through the points and the center into the pencil eraser. Leave a little space so it spins.
Test it! Blow on it, then hold it in front of the fan. Try it close to the fan, then 1 foot away, then 3 feet away. Which spins fastest?
Make a second pinwheel with longer cuts (stop 1/2 inch from the center). Does it catch more wind?
Read Acts 2:2. Ask, "What did the sound of the wind tell the disciples was happening?"

Safety: Adults handle push pins and scissors for younger kids. Keep fingers and hair away from the fan.

Student handout

Download the handout

Included with the lesson: it never costs an extra download. Print front and back. It’s also at the end of the full 5th – 6th grade PDF. Answers are in the Teacher Guide.

Real life today with Theo

Online and on screens

Social media sells happiness that fades by tomorrow. The Spirit's joy lasts because it rests on what Jesus has done.

At school

Peter, who once denied Jesus to a servant girl, now spoke to thousands. The Spirit turns fear into courage.

At church

Acts 2:42 is still the pattern for the church, teaching, fellowship, bread and prayer.

Sing and move

Spirit of the Living GodHymn
Holy SpiritModern worship song

Live It

The crowd asked, "What shall we do?" Answer that question for yourself this week. If you're ready to trust and follow Jesus, or have questions about baptism, talk with a parent or church leader. And ask the Spirit to fill you with real joy.

Pray together

Lord Jesus, exalted at the Father's right hand, thank You for pouring out Your Spirit. Thank You that everyone who calls on Your name will be saved. Fill us with the Spirit's joy and courage, and gather people from every nation into Your family. Amen.

More to explore

Dasch Digs Up: Did You Know?

"Pentecost" means "fiftieth." It came 50 days after Passover. Acts 2:1
The sound was like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house! Acts 2:2
Acts names people from 15 different places who heard the disciples in their own language. Acts 2:9-11
It was only 9 in the morning, so the disciples couldn't be drunk, Peter said! Acts 2:15
The first believers ate together "with glad and sincere hearts." Acts 2:46

Where were they?

The believers were together in one place, probably a house in Jerusalem near the temple. About 120 followers of Jesus had been meeting and praying there since He went to heaven (Acts 1:15).