The Promise of the Holy Spirit

Do you ever feel worried or scared? All of us have these feelings sometimes. When we feel this way, it can be hard to imagine that everything will ever be okay. Most of us want someone to help us, take care of us, or even just stay with us so that we don’t feel alone.

In today’s story, Jesus’ disciples are facing a big change that will be tough and scary. To help the disciples get ready, Jesus reminds them what he has taught them. Jesus also promises to send a special helper who will stay with them forever. But who—or what—is this helper, and how will the disciples know it’s there? Let’s find out!

Hear
The story of Jesus’ promise comes from John 14:15–21. Find the story in the family Bible or a children’s storybook Bible and read it together.

You can also click here to read the story using an online Bible, or you can watch the video retelling below.

Think
When you’ve finished reading the story, talk about these questions with your family:
  • At the beginning of the story, Jesus knows he is leaving. Where is he going, and why?
  • How does Jesus think the disciples will feel about him leaving?
  • What did Jesus promise his disciples? Why?
  • What does the Holy Spirit look like? How do we know it is with us every day?
Then, watch the following short video:

Do
Connect more deeply with today's story by trying one or more of these activities:
Picture
Make some bracelets.
Bracelets are a great way to represent love, because they go around and around forever--just like God's love. And, like the Holy Spirit, bracelets are always with the person who is wearing them. Create some bracelets for your friends and family to remind them that God's love is endless and the Holy Spirit is always with them. Use tiny rubber bands, or make a standard bracelet with embroidery floss. Some popular patterns are available here. Or, you can use a plain piece of string, tie knots, then say a prayer for someone every time you touch a knot.
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"Stick" like the Holy Spirit.
Play this simple week-long game to remind you that the Holy Spirit is always with you, even when you don’t expect it. Start by giving each member of your family a sticky note with a cross on it. Family members can remind one another of the Holy Spirit’s presence by hiding the sticky notes in unexpected places. Be creative! When a family member finds a sticky note, they must hide it again. Distribute new sticky notes each day and see how many you find by week’s end!
Picture
Create a comfort box.
Make a comfort box to help yourself feel better during tough times--and to remind you that the Holy Spirit is there to comfort you! Start by covering a cardboard box with wrapping paper or construction paper. Add stickers, drawings, Bible verses, and other decorations to the outside of the box. Fill the box with small items that give you comfort, such as photos, stuffed toys, notes from loved ones, and other keepsakes. Look through your comfort box whenever you need a "heart hug."
Share what you've made! Take a picture of your project and send it to sfelde@ctkluth.com so we can include it in our online gallery!

Pray
Dear Jesus,
Thank you for promising us the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Help us feel the Holy Spirit in our hearts and look for it in the world around us.
Help us remember that the Holy Spirit is with us always.
Amen.
CHRIST THE KING LUTHERAN CHURCH
17195 CLEVELAND ROAD  +  SOUTH BEND, IN 46635  +  (574) 272-4306