The Ascension of Jesus (Explained for Kids)
In this Juice Box episode, kids learn what the Ascension is, why the cloud matters, and how Jesus going to Heaven doesn’t mean He left us, it means He’s with us in a new, powerful way.
Ascension of Jesus for Kids (What Happened and Why It Matters)
Jesus’ Ascension is when Jesus goes to Heaven fully alive after rising from the dead. It happens 40 days after Easter, after Jesus spends time teaching His friends and preparing them for what comes next.
In the Bible, the number 40 often signals a big transition. One chapter is finishing, and a new one is beginning. So the Ascension is a “new beginning” moment for Jesus’ followers.
Acts says a cloud took Jesus from their sight, and in the Bible, clouds often point to God’s presence. Jesus isn’t “gone”, He’s entering God’s glory and isn’t limited to one place anymore, and He can be close to us everywhere.
For kids, the Ascension means Jesus didn’t abandon you, He went ahead of you, but stays close to you, and invites you to follow Him with trust, courage, and hope.
Key Takeaways
- Jesus rose on Easter, stayed with His friends for 40 days, and then ascended into Heaven, alive and victorious.
- The Ascension is not “Jesus disappearing”, it’s Jesus entering God’s glory and opening Heaven for us.
- The cloud is a biblical sign that something holy is happening, God is present, and Jesus is King.
- After the Ascension, Jesus isn’t limited to one location, He can be close to us everywhere through prayer and the Church.
- The cloud craft helps kids remember the big idea: we might not see Jesus with our eyes, but He is still real, still near, and still leading us.
- The moral is simple: when we can’t see the whole picture, we can still trust Jesus and keep following Him.
Episode Summary
This episode helps kids understand one of the biggest “wait, what?” moments in the Bible: Jesus rises from the dead, and then later He goes to Heaven. What does that even mean?
Families learn that the Ascension happens 40 days after Easter, after Jesus has been teaching, encouraging, and preparing His friends. The number 40 appears in the Bible during big “transition” moments, helping kids see the Ascension as a new beginning, not a goodbye.
Then comes the cloud. The episode explains that the cloud isn’t just a special effect, it’s a biblical symbol that points to God’s presence. Jesus is not “far away”; He is entering God’s glory, and He can be close to us everywhere.
Finally, the cloud craft makes it hands-on. Kids get a simple way to remember the message: even when Jesus isn’t visible like He was on earth, He’s still with us, still leading us, and still calling us to live with hope.
Episode Highlights
Transcript
[00:00:02 --> 00:00:03] (upbeat music) - Eh, prove it.
[00:00:03 --> 00:00:04] Um...
[00:00:06 --> 00:00:07] (objects shattering)
[00:00:07 --> 00:00:09] Oh, I regret this.
[00:00:09 --> 00:00:10] Gravity wins again.
[00:00:10 --> 00:00:12] That backfired.
[00:00:12 --> 00:00:14] Ha-ha! You can't fly.
[00:00:14 --> 00:00:16] Can you fly?
[00:00:16 --> 00:00:17] Let me check.
[00:00:20 --> 00:00:21] Nope, but if I could,
[00:00:21 --> 00:00:24] I would fly all the way to the top to Mount Everest.
[00:00:24 --> 00:00:27] Jesus doesn't have gravity problems.
[00:00:27 --> 00:00:30] What about the time he flew into heaven on the cloud?
[00:00:30 --> 00:00:32] Ah, the Ascension.
[00:00:32 --> 00:00:33] Yeah, that.
[00:00:33 --> 00:00:34] Well, Ascension is more than a cool
[00:00:34 --> 00:00:36] flying trick that Jesus did.
[00:00:36 --> 00:00:38] It's an important part of Jesus' life
[00:00:38 --> 00:00:41] that all of us as the Church celebrate every year.
[00:00:41 --> 00:00:43] I do love a good holiday.
[00:00:43 --> 00:00:44] Let's celebrate!
[00:00:44 --> 00:00:47] ♪ Celebrate good times ♪
[00:00:47 --> 00:00:48] ♪ Come on ♪
[00:00:48 --> 00:00:50] "Juice Box."
[00:00:50 --> 00:00:51] (upbeat music) (child laughing)
[00:00:51 --> 00:00:53] So a quick recap, friends.
[00:00:53 --> 00:00:55] On Good Friday, Jesus died.
[00:00:55 --> 00:00:57] On Easter Sunday, three days later,
[00:00:57 --> 00:00:59] Jesus rose from the dead.
[00:00:59 --> 00:01:01] For 40 days after he rose from the dead,
[00:01:01 --> 00:01:04] Jesus ministered to all of the people
[00:01:04 --> 00:01:05] that he loved here on Earth.
[00:01:05 --> 00:01:08] What happened on day 40? (bright music)
[00:01:08 --> 00:01:09] Christmas? (buzzer buzzing)
[00:01:09 --> 00:01:12] No, silly. That already happened.
[00:01:12 --> 00:01:13] Oh yeah. Easter?
[00:01:13 --> 00:01:15] (buzzer buzzing) - I'll give you a hint.
[00:01:15 --> 00:01:17] 40 is an important number in the Bible.
[00:01:17 --> 00:01:19] Where else have you heard the number 40?
[00:01:21 --> 00:01:24] It rained for 40 days while Noah was in the Ark.
[00:01:25 --> 00:01:27] I'm seasick just thinking about it.
[00:01:27 --> 00:01:31] The people of Israel walked in the desert for 40 years.
[00:01:31 --> 00:01:33] That's a lot of walking.
[00:01:33 --> 00:01:35] Jesus fasted for 40 days.
[00:01:36 --> 00:01:39] I can't even fast for 40 minutes.
[00:01:39 --> 00:01:44] In the Bible, 40 means something old is finishing
[00:01:44 --> 00:01:46] and something new is about to begin.
[00:01:46 --> 00:01:48] So when Jesus ascends into heaven,
[00:01:48 --> 00:01:51] something big is going to happen.
[00:01:51 --> 00:01:52] My head is spinning.
[00:01:52 --> 00:01:57] So 40 days after Easter, Jesus goes up to heaven.
[00:01:57 --> 00:01:58] So he double died?
[00:01:58 --> 00:02:01] Nope. He already died on Good Friday.
[00:02:01 --> 00:02:04] And when he rose from the dead, he didn't die again.
[00:02:04 --> 00:02:07] He rose up fully alive into heaven.
[00:02:07 --> 00:02:10] So he, like, superhero launched up there?
[00:02:10 --> 00:02:12] Well, actually, in Acts of the Apostles,
[00:02:12 --> 00:02:17] it says that a cloud took Jesus up from the apostles' sight.
[00:02:17 --> 00:02:20] So he floated away like a balloon?
[00:02:20 --> 00:02:21] Well, not exactly.
[00:02:21 --> 00:02:24] (ethereal music)
[00:02:28 --> 00:02:31] In the Bible, clouds mean something important.
[00:02:31 --> 00:02:33] So let's make our own cloud.
[00:02:33 --> 00:02:35] I have a fun craft where we get to make
[00:02:35 --> 00:02:36] our own cloud pillow.
[00:02:36 --> 00:02:38] My friend will show you how.
[00:02:38 --> 00:02:43] You need two pieces of paper, scissors, black marker,
[00:02:43 --> 00:02:48] some yarn, a hole puncher, and some cotton balls.
[00:02:49 --> 00:02:52] This is my cloud shape.
[00:02:52 --> 00:02:55] Remember to hold your two pieces of paper
[00:02:55 --> 00:02:58] completely together in the exact same spot,
[00:02:58 --> 00:02:59] so then when you cut it out,
[00:02:59 --> 00:03:02] you have to of the exact same shape.
[00:03:02 --> 00:03:05] And then you're going to cut out your cloud.
[00:03:09 --> 00:03:12] Okay, this is my cloud shape.
[00:03:12 --> 00:03:14] Now I'm gonna use my hole puncher
[00:03:14 --> 00:03:17] to make some holes around the edges.
[00:03:17 --> 00:03:19] They don't have to be too close.
[00:03:19 --> 00:03:22] Hold your two cloud pieces of paper together.
[00:03:25 --> 00:03:28] This is my cloud with hole punch.
[00:03:28 --> 00:03:32] They're about 1 1/2" away from each other.
[00:03:32 --> 00:03:35] You're gonna take your yarn and you're gonna thread it
[00:03:37 --> 00:03:39] in and out of the holes.
[00:03:41 --> 00:03:42] He answered them,
[00:03:42 --> 00:03:45] "It is not for you to know the times or seasons
[00:03:45 --> 00:03:48] that the Father has established by his own authority.
[00:03:48 --> 00:03:50] But you will receive power
[00:03:50 --> 00:03:52] when the Holy Spirit comes to you.
[00:03:52 --> 00:03:55] And you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem,
[00:03:55 --> 00:03:58] throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
[00:03:58 --> 00:04:01] When he had said this as they were looking on,
[00:04:01 --> 00:04:05] he was lifted up, and a cloud took him from their sight.
[00:04:05 --> 00:04:09] While they were looking intently at the sky as he was going,
[00:04:09 --> 00:04:11] suddenly two men dressed in white garments
[00:04:11 --> 00:04:12] stood beside them.
[00:04:12 --> 00:04:15] They said, "Men of Galilee,
[00:04:15 --> 00:04:18] why are you standing there looking at the sky?
[00:04:18 --> 00:04:21] This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven
[00:04:21 --> 00:04:23] will return in the same way
[00:04:23 --> 00:04:25] as you have seen him going into heaven."
[00:04:25 --> 00:04:28] And then you have to sew it closed,
[00:04:28 --> 00:04:31] and it makes a cloud pillow.
[00:04:31 --> 00:04:34] It probably would be comfier if it wasn't made out of paper.
[00:04:37 --> 00:04:40] Okay. And now we have to tie it shut.
[00:04:47 --> 00:04:49] And then snip the extra off.
[00:04:53 --> 00:04:56] Tada! Look at that cloud.
[00:04:56 --> 00:04:58] And now I can take a nap.
[00:05:01 --> 00:05:03] Not very comfortable nap.
[00:05:03 --> 00:05:06] Clouds are super important in the Bible as well.
[00:05:06 --> 00:05:09] God led Israel by a cloud to get to the Promised Land.
[00:05:09 --> 00:05:14] God didn't give them Google Maps. He gave them a cloud.
[00:05:14 --> 00:05:17] God appeared on Mount Sinai in a cloud.
[00:05:17 --> 00:05:19] So the cloud means God is here?
[00:05:19 --> 00:05:21] Exactly. It's the Holy Spirit.
[00:05:21 --> 00:05:24] The Ascension isn't about Jesus leaving us.
[00:05:24 --> 00:05:28] It's about Jesus entering fully into God's glory.
[00:05:28 --> 00:05:30] If he went up, doesn't that mean he's far away?
[00:05:30 --> 00:05:32] It looks like up,
[00:05:32 --> 00:05:36] but heaven isn't up like outer space or up in a cloud.
[00:05:36 --> 00:05:38] Heaven is God's life.
[00:05:38 --> 00:05:40] And when Jesus enters into heaven,
[00:05:40 --> 00:05:43] he's not stuck in one place anymore.
[00:05:43 --> 00:05:43] Wait, what?
[00:05:43 --> 00:05:44] Before the Ascension,
[00:05:44 --> 00:05:47] Jesus was only in one place at one time.
[00:05:47 --> 00:05:51] After the Ascension, he can be present everywhere.
[00:05:51 --> 00:05:52] Like at mass?
[00:05:52 --> 00:05:53] Definitely.
[00:05:53 --> 00:05:55] And at the playground.
[00:05:55 --> 00:05:55] Yeah.
[00:05:55 --> 00:05:57] And in confession?
[00:05:57 --> 00:05:58] You bet.
[00:05:58 --> 00:05:59] And in Antarctica.
[00:05:59 --> 00:06:01] Yep. Even in Antarctica.
[00:06:01 --> 00:06:02] And in space?
[00:06:02 --> 00:06:04] Yep. Even in outer space.
[00:06:04 --> 00:06:05] And here's the best part.
[00:06:05 --> 00:06:08] Jesus didn't just go to heaven,
[00:06:08 --> 00:06:10] he went there to prepare a place for us.
[00:06:10 --> 00:06:12] Like saving me a seat?
[00:06:12 --> 00:06:13] Not just a seat, friend.
[00:06:13 --> 00:06:17] We have a whole room in his Heavenly Father's mansion.
[00:06:17 --> 00:06:19] Finally, my own room!
[00:06:19 --> 00:06:20] (upbeat music) - Let's recap.
[00:06:20 --> 00:06:22] The Ascension means:
[00:06:22 --> 00:06:25] one, that Jesus is King;
[00:06:25 --> 00:06:30] number two, that Jesus is with us all the time, everywhere;
[00:06:30 --> 00:06:34] and number three, that Jesus has opened up heaven
[00:06:34 --> 00:06:37] for all of us to enjoy and be with him.
[00:06:37 --> 00:06:38] So he didn't leave us?
[00:06:38 --> 00:06:40] Nope. He didn't leave us.
[00:06:40 --> 00:06:42] In fact, he went ahead of us.
[00:06:42 --> 00:06:44] So I still can't fly?
[00:06:44 --> 00:06:45] Correct.
[00:06:45 --> 00:06:46] Not even a little?
[00:06:46 --> 00:06:48] Well, jump again.
[00:06:49 --> 00:06:51] (objects clattering) - Jumping confirmed.
[00:06:51 --> 00:06:55] The Ascension isn't about us learning to fly.
[00:06:55 --> 00:06:58] It's about Jesus opening heaven for all of us.
[00:06:58 --> 00:07:00] So I don't need wings?
[00:07:00 --> 00:07:01] Nope. You don't need wings.
[00:07:01 --> 00:07:02] Or a jet pack?
[00:07:02 --> 00:07:04] Nope. Not a jet pack either.
[00:07:04 --> 00:07:06] A cloud subscription. (drums beating)
[00:07:06 --> 00:07:08] Nope. No cloud subscription either.
[00:07:08 --> 00:07:10] How do we get to heaven?
[00:07:10 --> 00:07:14] We follow Jesus, trust in Jesus, and stay close to Jesus.
[00:07:14 --> 00:07:17] So the real flying happens later?
[00:07:17 --> 00:07:21] Let's just say heaven has better upgrades than wings.
[00:07:21 --> 00:07:23] Chicken wings! Chicken wings! (chickens clucking)
[00:07:23 --> 00:07:25] Don't forget to subscribe to "Juice Box."
[00:07:25 --> 00:07:28] I'll see you in heaven. Hopefully sooner.
[00:07:28 --> 00:07:29] See you later. Bye!
[00:07:32 --> 00:07:33] "Juice Box."
[00:07:33 --> 00:07:35] Ready for a fun, faith-filled summer?
[00:07:35 --> 00:07:37] Parents, join "Juice Box"
[00:07:37 --> 00:07:40] for "30 Days to an Intentional Catholic Summer,"
[00:07:40 --> 00:07:43] and learn how to invite Jesus into your home each day.
[00:07:43 --> 00:07:45] Check the description for more info.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Ascension of Jesus for kids?
The Ascension is when Jesus goes to Heaven after He rose from the dead. It happens 40 days after Easter. Jesus is alive, and He enters God’s glory as King.
What does the cloud mean in the Ascension story?
In the Bible, clouds often show God’s presence. So the cloud at the Ascension is a sign that something holy is happening. It helps us understand Jesus is entering God’s glory, not just “floating away.”
Did Jesus leave us when He ascended?
No. The Ascension doesn’t mean Jesus abandoned us. It means He is with us in a new way and isn’t limited to one place anymore. Jesus stays close to us through prayer, the sacraments, and the Church.
Why does the Ascension happen 40 days after Easter?
In the Bible, 40 often means a big transition. Something is ending, and something new is beginning. Jesus used those 40 days to teach and prepare His friends before starting a new chapter for the Church.
How can we help kids remember the Ascension?
Use something they can see and do. A simple cloud craft (cotton balls or paper clouds) helps kids remember the “cloud moment” and the big idea: Jesus went to Heaven, but He didn’t leave us. He’s still close. You can also add a one-sentence repeatable line like, “Jesus went ahead of us to Heaven, and He stays with us every day.”
If your kids asked a big faith question this week, you’re not alone. Subscribe so you’ve always got a short, safe, Catholic video ready for car rides, bedtime, or Sunday prep.
Free Ascension Activity for Kids
Help your child learn more about the Ascension of Jesus through a craft, along with a simple materials list and an Ascension coloring page. A fun and meaningful way to help kids remember that Jesus returned to Heaven and still remains close to us.
What's Inside:
Cloud Craft Template
List of Materials for Cloud Craft
Ascension Coloring Page
Perfect to use while watching the companion Juice Box video
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