Understanding Pentecost
Bible Readings
Take a few minutes to read the Bible verses listed and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in how this verse applies to you this week.
Memory Verse
"But the Holy Spirit will come upon you and give you power. Then you will tell everyone about me in Jerusalem, in all Judea, in Samaria, and everywhere in the world.” (CEV)
Brett’s family drove home from church in the middle of a thunderstorm. Brett jumped with every CLAP of thunder, CRACK of lightning, and RUSH of wind against the car.
“Is that what Pentecost was like?” Brett asked her dad. “In the lesson, the Holy Spirit came in like the wind and there was fire like flaming tongues, too. It kinda sounds scary, just like this storm.”
Brett’s father explained that Pentecost might have seemed scary at first, like a storm. “The wind, lightning, and rain are parts of nature, and God created nature,” he said. “Remember when the disciples were in the boat and Jesus commanded the storm to ‘be calm’ (Mark 4:35-41)? Pentecost was part of God's plan and in his control, just like the storm.”
Just before he was taken up to heaven, Jesus said to his disciples, “But the Holy Spirit will come upon you and give you power. Then you will tell everyone about me in Jerusalem, in all Judea, in Samaria, and everywhere in the world” (Acts 1:8). The Spirit came in a powerful way and filled the people. That’s because we serve a powerful God! The wind and fire are symbols for God’s presence. Jesus gave the disciples the job to continue his work. He knew they would need help to complete their mission, so he gave them—and us—the power of the Holy Spirit.
Some stories in the Bible might seem scary, like Pentecost. God’s power all around them must have overwhelmed the disciples! When we remember God is in control of everything, we don’t have to be afraid. Instead, we can watch God do amazing things in and through us.
Prayer
Dear God, thank you for sending us your Holy Spirit to give us power to complete your work. In Jesus’ name, Amen.Related Resources
Natasha Menifee
Natasha Menifee is an educator, writer and most importantly a child of God. She has taught in public schools for 12 years and holds two master's degrees from Georgetown College in Learning & Behavior Disorders and Teacher Leadership. Natasha also serves as the Christian Education Director at her church. She is the proud mother of two daughters. For more information about her, visit www.natashamenifee.com.