Series Description
Jesus is alive! And we can’t wait to help you celebrate with the kids in your ministry. When Jesus died for our sins, He reconciled us to God, and then when He stepped out of the tomb, He defeated the power of death. This is the reason that we can have joy, no matter what’s going on in our lives. This was all part of God’s rescue plan that began in the Garden.
Our month begins with the worst day in history, when Jesus was crucified, followed by the very best day: when He rose again! Then we travel along with two friends on the road to Emmaus and experience their surprise and joy when the stranger they meet turns out to be Jesus. We discover the enormous job that Jesus gave to His followers, including us, before returning to heaven. And with the disciples, we witness the amazing arrival of God’s Holy Spirit at Pentecost, sealing the promise that Jesus gave to always be with us, and guiding and helping us every day. In fact, the Holy Spirit is constantly at work in the lives of Jesus’ followers, producing a harvest of joy (along with love, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control). Kids will discover that when we lean into the Holy Spirit, we can experience this joy that’s far deeper than mere happiness.
Memory Verse
Always be joyful because you belong to the Lord. I will say it again. Be joyful!
Philippians 4:4 NIrV
Application
Joy: Choosing to celebrate what God is doing
Week 1 (April 5)
Easter (Crucified and Risen)
Easter (Crucified and Risen) | John 18–20:23
Bottom Line: You can have joy because Jesus is alive.
Conversation Starter: How do you celebrate Easter?
In Week 1, we explore the events leading up to Easter Sunday. A story that began with betrayal, arrest, and the desertion of Jesus’ closest friends set the stage for Jesus to lay aside every right and give up His life for all of us. But even though the sun went dark and all hope seemed lost, God was still at work. And when Mary Magdalene came to the tomb at dawn on the third day, she found it empty!
Week 2 (April 12)
On the Road to Emmaus
On the Road to Emmaus | Luke 24:13-35
Bottom Line: You can have joy because there’s a bigger story.
Conversation Starter: Because Jesus is alive, what brings you joy?
In Week 2, two Jesus followers travel the road to Emmaus on Sunday afternoon. While they tried to make sense of all that had happened—spoiler alert!—Jesus Himself joined them on the road. Though they didn’t realize it was Him, Jesus explained how God’s whole story fit together. And then, when He broke bread with them at dinner, they finally understood who He was!
Week 3 (April 19)
Great Commission and Ascension
Great Commission and Ascension | Matthew 28:16-20; Acts 1:1-11
Bottom Line: You can share the good news about Jesus.
Conversation Starter: What does it mean to you that God is with you?
After appearing multiple times to His friends, Jesus meets them on a mountain to give them the greatest assignment in history: “Go and make disciples of all nations.” Jesus promises to be with them always, but then, soon after, ascends to Heaven. He leaves them with the remarkable assurance that they will soon receive power from the Holy Spirit.
Week 4 (April 26)
Pentecost/Fruit of the Spirit
Pentecost/Fruit of the Spirit | Acts 2:1-41 (supporting: Galatians 5:22-23)
Bottom Line: God’s Spirit gives you joy.
Conversation Starter: When have you experienced joy in your life?
We wrap up the month as God’s promised Holy Spirit shows up in tongues of fire, imparting to the believers an ability to speak so that people of all nations could understand them. Peter stood up amid the crowds gathered for the Feast of Weeks and preached such a powerful sermon that 3,000 people were filled with joy and became followers of Jesus, too!