Acts 2 v 1 – 41

Lesson Aim

To understand the changes which the gift of the Holy Spirit made to the disciples.

Hook 1: Pictures of tadpole ,frog,  caterpillar, butterfly and various signs.

Begin by showing the picture of the tadpole and explain how some creatures have a dramatic change in their appearance. By questioning the children they should be able also offer a caterpillar changing into a butterfly.

Relate this to the disciples who before Pentecost were in hiding, behind locked doors (Jn 20 v 19), and frightened. Describe the coming of the Holy Spirit and how it completely changed the disciples, now they went into the streets, where they spoke publically with confidence. Use various words to highlight the change e.g. frightened, confident, in hiding  and in public.

Hook 2: Outline of a wind and a flame.

When you tell the story pause at the point where the wind is mentioned and ask the children to brainstorm any words to do with wind. These words could be written over the outline of the wind. Likewise when the flames of fire are mentioned, brainstorm any words to do with fire and display them on the outline of the flame.

Application

It is important that the children understand that the tremendous changes which took place in the lives of the disciples were the result of the disciples receiving the Holy Spirit. Many of the children will have no concept of the Holy Spirit, so a simple explanation will almost certainly have to be given as to what the Holy Spirit is. You could say that the Holy Spirit is a gift from God to his people. This gift supports and helps God’s people as they live each day on earth.