What happened next!? part 1

Prayer

After Jesus ascended back into heaven, what were the disciples called to do?

Teach, preach, baptize, make disciples

Matthew 28:19–20 “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.””

So what happened after?

Acts 1:6–11 “So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?” He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!””

So now the apostles have a job to do! They had to go back to Jerusalem where they were staying, but also replace the one person who betrayed Jesus. Who was it that betrayed Jesus? - Judas

What were the names of the disciples there? - Peter, John, James, Andrew Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Simon, and Judas son of James.

So where did Judas go? Who are they going to get to be their twelve person?

Acts 1:18–19 “(Judas had bought a field with the money he received for his treachery. Falling headfirst there, his body split open, spilling out all his intestines. The news of his death spread to all the people of Jerusalem, and they gave the place the Aramaic name Akeldama, which means “Field of Blood.”)”

So how do you suppose the apostles are to figure out who the best person for the position was? Remember, at this time 120 believers were present with them.

Peter says in Acts 1:20–22 “Peter continued, “This was written in the book of Psalms, where it says, ‘Let his home become desolate, with no one living in it.’ It also says, ‘Let someone else take his position.’ “So now we must choose a replacement for Judas from among the men who were with us the entire time we were traveling with the Lord Jesus— from the time he was baptized by John until the day he was taken from us. Whoever is chosen will join us as a witness of Jesus’ resurrection.””

So how did they chose?

Acts 1:23–25 “So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they all prayed, “O Lord, you know every heart. Show us which of these men you have chosen as an apostle to replace Judas in this ministry, for he has deserted us and gone where he belongs.””

this sets the stage for the things that are about to happen after Jesus went back home. The apostles have a job to do, which is what? (let kids say) and now they filled that empty spot, they can start on their new mission! Next week, we will learn more about whats next!

When faced with decisions in our lives, especially important ones, we need to follow the example the disciples left for us, and in this order. .

1. Pray

2. Listen

3 Then Do

It is really important to wait for answers from the Lord and trust in His divine plan for success. But if you are like me, many times I do step three first – it just doesn’t work that way, does it?

To do list craft - Pray, Listen, Then Do