The Day of Pentecost
Ilumi Kids · Stories
After Jesus went up to heaven, his friends and followers stayed in Jerusalem, exactly as He had asked. They gathered every day to pray and talk about the wonderful things they had experienced with Jesus.
They were waiting for a very special gift that Jesus had promised. No one knew exactly what it would be like, but everyone trusted the promise. Together, in a house, their hearts were full of hope and expectation.
Jesus’ followers were gathered in Jerusalem when a sound like a strong wind came from heaven and what looked like tongues of fire rested on each of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke in other languages. Peter explained to the crowd what was happening, and about three thousand people believed in Jesus that day.
Where it is in the Bible: Acts 2
The Holy Spirit gives courage to talk about Jesus, and God wants to reach people of every language.
After reading, use these questions to help your child remember and apply the story.
After Jesus went up to heaven, his friends and followers stayed in Jerusalem, exactly as He had asked. They gathered every day to pray and talk about the wonderful things they had experienced with Jesus.
They were waiting for a very special gift that Jesus had promised. No one knew exactly what it would be like, but everyone trusted the promise. Together, in a house, their hearts were full of hope and expectation.
Suddenly, an amazing sound came from heaven! It sounded like a very strong wind that filled the whole house, but without knocking anything down. It was a sound of power and something new.
Soon after, something even more wonderful happened. They saw what looked like small flames of fire. They separated, and one gently rested on the head of each person there. It didn't burn or hurt; it was a fire of love and courage from God.
And all of them were filled with the Holy Spirit... — Acts 2:4a
At that very moment, everyone was filled with the Holy Spirit. They began to speak in other languages, languages they had never learned in school. It was a miracle coming out of their mouths!
At that time, Jerusalem was full of visitors from many different countries for a big festival. Each group of people spoke a different language, coming from places like Rome, Egypt, and many others.
The crowd outside heard the noise and ran to see what it was. Their mouths dropped open, completely surprised! Each visitor heard Jesus' friends speaking in their own native language.
They whispered to each other, very confused and amazed. How could this be true? Those men and women were from Galilee!
A person in the crowd: How is it that we hear them speaking in our own native language about the great things God has done?
Then, the apostle Peter stood up and, with great courage, began to speak to all those people. He explained that it wasn't magic, but the fulfillment of God's promise. It was the gift of the Holy Spirit that Jesus had sent!
Peter spoke about Jesus, how He loved everyone, died, and rose again to forgive sins. His words touched the hearts of thousands of people, who decided to follow Jesus that very day. That was the great beginning of Christ's Church on Earth.
Turn away from your sins. Be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ. Then your sins will be forgiven. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. — Acts 2:38
