Childrenʻs Bible Stories by Christopher Warren Baker

Enjoy this series of Bible Stories written for children to learn Jesusʻ story. Book 7 tells how the Barnyard Gang learned about the apostles receiving the Holy Spirit.

In Book 6 of the Barnyard Gang, we learned that Jesus was carried up into Heaven through the clouds from the Mount of Olives. Before leaving, Jesus told His disciples that His Father had promised to send them something. They were to stay in Jerusalem until they received that power from Heaven.  

{Boss told Sarah that they would remain in Jerusalem and wait with the disciples for the power to come from Heaven. Isaiah was told to saddle Hurricane and Tornado, go to the feed store, pick up feed and supplies, and then go to the Inn in Bethlehem. Isaiah was to tell the workers at the Inn that Boss and Sarah would be staying in Jerusalem a little while longer.} 

{Isaiah rode Hurricane and held tightly onto the reins of Tornado as he hurried off to the feed store in Bethphage. Upon arrival, Josh, the owner of the feed store, was outside sweeping up when Isaiah rode up, kicking up a cloud of dust.} 

Isiahʻs Good News

“Well. Hello, Isaiah! You sure are in a big hurry!” shouted Josh. 

“Hi Josh. Yes, I am. I’ve got some very important news for you, but first, could you get my order for feed and supplies ready?” asked Isaiah. 

“I’ll get them right away,” said Josh.   

“There. Now that we have Tornado all packed up with feed and supplies, I’m hoping you have some good news to share about Jesus? The last time you were here, you said the Jewish priests were going to have Him crucified,” said Josh. 

“I’m sorry to tell you that Jesus was crucified!” said Isaiah. 

“Oh…Nooo!!! cried Josh. 

“Don’t be upset! There’s “good news—JESUS ROSE FROM THE DEAD!” exclaimed Isaiah. 

“Do you mean that after Jesus died, He went to Heaven?” asked Josh.

“No, Jesus is alive!” said Isaiah.  

“How can that be? Nobody comes back to life once they have died,” said a confused Josh. 

“Well, Jesus did! And not only did He come back to life, He talked to his disciples while eating fish. I was there and saw Him eating fish. Can you believe it?” asked Isaiah. 

“That’s simply amazing and it sure makes my day brighter! I’ve been worried sick about Jesus since the last time you were here and told me He was going to be crucified,” said Josh. 

“Jesus did something that was very exciting. He took His disciples and the other followers to the Mount of Olives, and when we got to the mountain, He told them that His Father in Heaven was going to give them something. Jesus said He would send His Father’s power from Heaven to them, but they needed to go back to Jerusalem and wait for that power. And then suddenly, Jesus just floated up into the clouds,” said Isaiah. 

“Unbelievable!” said Josh.

“It gets even better. After Jesus went up through the clouds, two men appeared in white robes and said, “Men of Galilee, why are you standing here looking into the sky? You saw Jesus taken away from you into Heaven. He will come back in the same way you saw Him go.”’  I believe those men were angels. They told us Jesus is coming back again,” said Isaiah. 

“This is all so exciting! Well, I’m off to the Inn with these supplies and then I’ll ride back to Jerusalem to wait for the power that Jesus promised,” said Isaiah.  

“Have a good trip, Isaiah, and don’t be surprised if you see me with Jesus’ disciples waiting for that power from Heaven,” smiled Josh.

{When Isaiah got up onto (mounted) Hurricane’s saddle, both horses took off in a flash! It looked like Hurricane and Tornado were back on the race track again!}  

{Meanwhile, Boss, Sarah, Simon, Simon’s sons Alexander and Rufus, the animals Dan and Zeke all followed Jesus’ disciples. They came to a place in Jerusalem where many people were gathering to celebrate “Pentecost, the Jewish Feast of Weeks} 

Boss Explains Passover

“Look, Boss! There must be thousands of people coming to celebrate Pentecost,” said Simon.           

“Pentecost is our Jewish celebration for the first harvest of crops from the fields.” It’s called Pentecost, meaning fifty. It is celebrated fifty days after Passover. It’s known as Shavou’ot in Hebrew, feast of weeks,” said Boss.

“Pentecost sure is a big celebration! Boss, you said the Passover is celebrated 50 days before Pentecost. Could you tell my boys, Alexander and Rufus, why Passover is so important to the Jewish people? I’ve told them some things, but maybe you could help them understand what Passover is really all about,” said Simon.  

“Gather around me, boys,” said Boss. 

{Alexander and Rufus came and sat down in front of Boss and he started to tell them the story of Passover. Everyone listened ,even the animals…}

“Many years ago, the Israelites were slaves in Egypt, where you and your father live today. There was a cruel King called Pharaoh. He was a bad guy who made thousands of Israelites work very hard in his fields. The Pharaoh decided there were too many Israelites so he was going to kill every Israelite baby boy by throwing them into the Nile River. When Moses was born, his mother, an Israelite, put him into a basket on the Nile River. Moses floated down the river and was found by Pharaoh’s daughter. She took Moses to live in Pharaoh’s household…

“Mr. Boss, didn’t Moses’s mother save her baby by putting him into the basket on the Nile River,” asked Rufus. 

“Yes, she did. Very good Rufus!” said Boss. 

{Boss continued the story}

 “Although Moses was an Israelite, he grew up in Pharaoh’s Egyptian household. When he was older, he didn’t like the bad treatment the Israelites were given by Pharaoh. One day, while tending a flock of sheep in the wilderness, Moses saw a bush that was burning, but the bush didn’t burn up. In the fire was the “Angel of the Lord.” When Moses came closer to get a better look, God spoke, saying, “Moses! Moses! Moses said, Here I am. God said, Take off your sandals, you are standing on Holy ground. I am the God of your ancestors (the Israelites). I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” Moses covered his face because he was afraid to look at God.”         

Boss continued, “God then told Moses to go to Pharoah and tell him to ‘Let My People Go.’ God wanted the Israelites to return to their own land in Israel. Moses told this to Pharaoh, but he would not let them go. You see Pharaoh was a mean King and he was using the Israelites as slaves to work very hard in his fields. So, God sent nine different plagues to Egypt. But after each plague, Pharaoh still would not let them go. Finally, God sent the tenth and most deadly plague, the “Angel of Death,” said Boss. 

“This sounds very scary,” said Alexander, his brother Rufus nodding in agreement. 

“That was the idea. This plague was supposed to scare Pharaoh into letting the Israelites go. But don’t be afraid, because the Passover has a good outcome,” said Boss.

Boss continued his story: “Moses told all the Israelites that they were to kill an unblemished (or perfect) lamb and put its blood over their doorpost. Each household was to eat all of the lamb. The Egyptians had no idea what was coming.  At midnight, the ‘Angel of Death’ flew over all the houses in Egypt, passing over the houses with blood, but killing every firstborn son in the houses that did not have blood on the doorposts. The Angel of Death even killed Pharaoh’s firstborn son.”

“Ahhh…so that’s why the Israelites call it ‘Passover,’ because the Angel of Death, seeing the blood of the lamb on the door posts, passed over the Israelites, keeping them safe!” said Alexander.

“That’s right!” said Boss.  

“Did that make Pharaoh let the Israelites return to Israel?” asked Rufus.  

“You bet it did! And the Egyptian people, who were now afraid of the God of the Israelites, gave them food and expensive valuables, like gold and silver, before they left,” said Boss. 

“Is that the end of the story of the Passover?” asked Alexander.

“Well, not yet. The Israelites packed up all their clothes, clay pots, and other possessions, as well as their animals. The Egyptian people gave them gold, silver, and other expensive gifts because they were afraid of the Israelites’ God. Then the Israelites began their long walk back to Israel. Ah… but Pharaoh had other ideas for the Israelites!” said Boss.  

“Thousands of Israelites walked all the way to the Red Sea, but they stopped because they didn’t know how they were going to cross the water. At that time, they saw Pharaoh with all his soldiers, horses, and war chariots, coming after them. They were afraid that Pharaoh would kill them,” said Boss. 

“It sounds like Pharaoh had them trapped between the Red Sea and his soldiers,” said Rufus.  

“Yes, and the Israelites were angry at Moses for taking them out of Egypt where, at least in Egypt they had food and lived in safety. They cried out to God for help!” said Boss.

“Listen to what the book of Exodus in the Bible says,” said Boss: “The Israelites saw (Pharaoh) the king and his army coming after them. They were very frightened and cried to the Lord for help. They said to Moses, “What have you done to us? Why did you bring us out of Egypt to die in the desert?”  

“The Israelites were so afraid that they blamed Moses. But Moses told them not to be afraid because the Lord God would fight for them and they would never see the Egyptians again,” said Boss. 

“So, what happened next?” asked Alexander.

{Even the animals were still listening to Boss’s exciting story.}  

“I hope Moses was right. Otherwise, the Israelites would die,” said Zeke.

“It sounds like Moses believed God would help them,” said Hurricane. 

Boss continued the story and said, “God told Moses, ‘Raise your walking stick and hold it over the sea. The sea will split. Then the people can cross the sea on dry land.’  Moses held his walking stick over the sea and all night the Lord drove back the sea with a strong east wind, splitting the water. The next day there was a wall of water on the left and right, and in the middle was dry ground. The Israelites’ walked between the waters on the dry ground all the way to the other side,”’ said Boss.      

“That’s amazing. How could the water stand up on both sides with dry ground in the middle?” asked Alexander.

“That’s just the power of God,” said Boss.  

{Boss continued telling the boys what the Bible said.}

“All the Israelites walked through the sea on dry ground toward the other side, but for Pharaoh’s army; “All the king’s horses, chariots, and chariot drivers followed them into the sea.”  “Boys, this is where the Lord fights for the Israelites. The Lord looked down from above in the cloud with fire and, “He made them panic. He kept the wheels of the chariots from turning. This made it hard to drive the chariots. The Egyptians shouted, “Let’s get away from the Israelites! The Lord is fighting for them and against us Egyptians,”  said Boss.

Boss continued, “The Israelites had crossed to the other side of the Red Sea, and while Pharaoh’s army was stuck in the middle of the sea, God told Moses to raise his walking stick over the sea,” said Boss. 

“This is exciting,” said Rufus. 

“Boys, when Moses raised his walking stick over the sea, the Lord caused the water to go back over Pharaoh’s army, and they were never seen again. The Israelites then continued their long walk through the desert to Israel,” said Boss. 

“Did they ever make it to Israel?” asked Alexander.

“They did, but that’s another long story for another day. These same Israelites were the relatives or ancestors of the Jewish people today, including Jesus and my family,” said Boss. 

{Meanwhile, about an hour after Isaiah, Hurricane, and Tornado left Josh’s feed store in Bethphage, they rode up to the Inn in Bethlehem, causing a cloud of dust. All the animals in the stable greeted Hurricane and Tornado with great joy. They then began asking many questions. Isaiah took all the feed bags off of Tornado and put them into the storage bins in the stable.}  

Hurricane shares his news with the Barnyard Gang

“Hurricane, please tell us what happened to Jesus?” asked Leah. 

“Well, I have some bad news and some good news, but first, the bad news. Jesus was crucified on a cross along with two criminals,” said Hurricane. 

“Oh Nooo! That’s terrible,” cried Leah. 

{All the animals were saddened.} 

“This is horrible. What’s the good news?!” asked Phil.

“Tornado, why don’t you tell them the good news?” said Hurricane.

“Well, gang, hold on to your hats,” said Tornado.

“Haha, that’s funny. Because we don’t wear hats!” said Lizzy. 

{All the animals began laughing. Lizzy broke their sadness with her joke.} 

“Very funny Lizzy, but here is the good news. Jesus was put into a tomb and He came back to life after three days!” said Hurricane.  

“Yeah!!” yelled Leah.

“This is hard to believe! Are you sure He came back to life or did someone just say that He did?” questioned Lizzy. 

“No, Lizzy. Hurricane, Dan, Zeke, and I were right outside the upper room. All the disciples, including Boss and Sarah, were in the room with the door locked. We could hear them talking through the open window,” said Tornado. 

“What happened next?” asked Leah.  

“We heard Jesus’ voice. He was there, and He was talking to the disciples!” said Tornado.

“That can’t be right. How did Jesus get inside the room if the door was locked?” asked Lizzy.

“That’s the big question everyone’s asking. How could Jesus just walk right into the room when the door was locked?” said Tornado. 

“Well, I would say that if anyone could do it, it would be Jesus,” said Leah. 

“What happened next?” asked Phil. 

“The disciples began touching Jesus to see if He was real and not a ghost! They even saw the scars on Jesus’ hands and feet from His wounds of being nailed to the cross,” said Tornado.

“Guys, Jesus even ate some fish like a normal person,” said Hurricane. 

“There’s nothing normal about Jesus. I believe He could only do these things because God is with Him!” said Leah.  

“Well, maybe Leah is right, but the best part of this is that Jesus is alive and back from the dead!” said Phil. 

“Jesus said that His Father promised the disciples something and that He would send it to them,” said Tornado.   

“What did Jesus promise them?” asked an excited Leah.

“Jesus told them they were to stay in Jerusalem until they receive power from Heaven,” said Tornado.                  

“Then, we saw with our own eyes Jesus, the disciples, and all of the people walking right out of the Upper Room. And you all heard that from this horse’s mouth,” laughed Tornado. 

“Very Funny!” said Lizzy. 

“Where were they going?” asked Phil.

“Well, Jesus led all of the disciples and the women, as well as the others to Betheny on the Mount of Olives. The rest of us followed,”  said Tornado. 

“What happened next?” asked Leah.

“Jesus gave His blessing to everyone, and then the most amazing thing happened,” said Tornado.

{Even Lizzy could hardly contain her curiosity as to what happened next.}

“Okay, what’s so amazing?” asked Lizzy.   

“Jesus floated up into the clouds and disappeared!” said Tornado.

“That is unbelievable!” said Phil. 

Tornado continued his story, “While everyone was looking into the sky two men appeared in white robes and said, ‘“Men of Galilee, why are you standing here looking into the sky?  You saw Jesus taken away from you into heaven. He will come back in the same way you saw Him go.’”   

“So, Jesus is coming back someday?” asked Leah. 

“That’s right. The two men dressed in white robes, who may have been angels, said He will come back in the same way you saw Him go. So, I think that means Jesus will come back to earth through the clouds,” said Tornado. 

“Maybe He will come back to the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem,” said Phil.

{After Isaiah finished putting the animal’s feed into the storage bins, he went to the Inn and told the workers that Boss and Sarah would be staying in Jerusalem a little while longer. Then, he came back into the barn and got Hurricane and Tornado ready for the long ride back to Jerusalem. When Isaiah got up onto Hurricane’s saddle, the gang said goodbye and Hurricane and Tornado took off, leaving behind a cloud of dust.}

“Goodbye, Hurricane and Tornado!” yelled Leah.

The Power from Heaven

{Meanwhile, back in Jerusalem in the upper room, the disciples, the women and the others waited for the promised ‘Power from Heaven.’ Also, there were Boss, Sarah, Simon, Rufus, and Alexander. After the long ride from the Inn to Jerusalem, Isaiah came riding up on Hurricane with Tornado. Boss and Sarah went outside when they heard Isaiah ride up.)

“How was your trip?” Boss asked Isaiah.

“It was a long, hot ride. I got feed for the animals and told the Inn workers that you would be gone for a little while longer. Everything was good at the stable and the Inn. Did anything new happen while I was gone?” asked Isaiah. 

“If you are asking about the ‘Power from Heaven,’ nothing so far. Thank you for taking care of the animals and the inn workers,” said Boss. 

“Hello, Isaiah,” said a smiling Josh. 

“Well, hello Josh. I see you decided to come to Jerusalem for the ‘Power from Heaven’ that Jesus promised,” said Isaiah.

“I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. I told you that you might see me here,” laughed Josh. 

{Everyone settled into the upper room. There were 120 in all. Everyone continued to wait for God’s promise!} 

{Zeke, Dan, Hurricane and Tornado were tied up outside the Upper Room.}

“Hi, Dan,” said Hurricane. 

“Hi, Hurricane. you and Tornado must be dead tired after that long ride,” said Dan. 

“We will be okay after we drink some water and rest a little while,” replied Hurricane.

“It’s good to have you and Tornado back,” said Zeke. 

“Thanks, Zeke. Did anything happen while we were gone?” asked Tornado. 

“Nothing yet. We just came to the Upper Room in Jerusalem and are waiting outside for the ‘Power from Heaven,’” said Zeke.

{The disciples in the Upper Room were very quiet. Nearby, thousands of God-fearing Jews from every country had come for Pentecost and were joyously celebrating. “Suddenly, a noise came from Heaven. It sounded like a strong wind blowing. This noise filled the whole Upper Room, they saw something that looked like flames of fire. The flames were separated and stood over each person there. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they began to speak different languages. The Holy Spirit was giving them the power to speak these languages.”  They were so loud that the people who were celebrating Pentecost heard them and came to the upper Room to listen. Everyone in the Upper Room could feel the Holy Spirit’s power.}

“Are you seeing this, Boss?” asked Sarah.

“Yes! What is this strange fire over everyone? asked Boss.

“It must be the power that Jesus said His Father would send,” said Isaiah.

“There must be thousands of people gathering outside!” said Simon.

{Even the Barnyard Gang, Zeke, Hurricane, Tornado, and Dan listened to the disciples speak in these languages.}

“Look at all of these people gathering near the Upper Room. It sounds like they’re asking how these disciples from Galilee are suddenly speaking in their languages,” said Zeke.

“Can any of you guys understand what the disciples in the Upper Room are saying?” asked Hurricane

“Some of these people listening outside are accusing the disciples of being drunk,” said Tornado.

{The people and the Barnyard Gang had no answer for these strange languages. Then Peter came out from the Upper Room and spoke to the people outside.} 

Peter speaks to the crowd of revelers.

Peter stood up with the 11 apostles. In a loud voice, he spoke to the crowd: “My fellow Jews, and all of you who are in Jerusalem, listen to me. Pay attention to what I have to say. These men are not drunk, as you think; it is only nine o’clock in the morning!”  

“Boss, Peter is right, no one was drunk,” said Sarah. 

“Sarah, these people couldn’t see what amazing things just happened in the Upper Room, so Peter will try to explain about these strange languages and what has happened to all of us,” said Boss. 

{Peter continued} “Joel the prophet wrote about what is happening here today: ‘God says: In the last days I will give my Spirit freely to all kinds of people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams. Your young men will see visions. At that time, I will give my Spirit even to my servants, both men and women. And they will prophesy. I will show miracles in the sky and on the earth: blood, fire and thick smoke. The sun will become dark. The moon will become red as blood. And then the great and glorious day of the Lord will come. Then anyone who asks the Lord for help will be saved.’”   

“It’s hard to understand what Peter just told everyone! I think he means that the Holy Spirit’s power will help the disciples tell of things that God’s going to do in the future. That’s what prophecy is, isn’t it?” said Simon. 

“You’re right, Simon, and God said He will do miracles in the sky and on the earth,” said Boss.

“Yes, and old men will dream dreams, and young men will see visions—things that will happen in the future,” said Sarah. 

“All people, starting today, will be able to have the Holy Spirit’s power come into their lives and hearts, just like He did for us, if they truly believe in Jesus,” said Boss.

{Peter continued} “Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus from Nazareth was a very special man. God clearly showed this to you by the miracles, wonders, and signs God did through Him. You all know this, because it happened right here among you. Jesus was given to you, and you killed Him (on the cross). With the help of evil men (Roman soldiers), you nailed Him to a cross. But God knew all this would happen. This was God’s plan which He had made long ago. God raised Jesus from death. God set Him free from the pain of death. Death could not hold Him…”  

“Peter told the Jewish people that they killed this special man of God with the help of the Roman soldiers,” said Boss. 

“Yes, and God raised Jesus back from death to life again!” exclaimed Simon.

{Peter continued…} “Brothers, I can tell you truly about David (King of Israel), our ancestor. He died and was buried. His grave is still here with us today. David was a prophet and knew what God had said. God had promised David that he would make a person from David’s family a king just as he was. David knew this before it happened. That is why he said: ‘He was not left in the grave. His body did not rot.’ David was talking about the Christ (Messiah) rising from death.  So, Jesus is the One who God raised from death!” said Peter. 

“Boys, Peter is telling all the Jewish people that King David, one of Israel’s greatest Kings, said a long time ago that Jesus would come one day in the future, die on the cross, and then be raised from death to life. Do you understand?” asked Simon.  

“Yes, father, but how did David know that?” said Rufus.

“Father, can I answer Rufus’s question?” asked Alexander. 

“You may,” said Simon.

“King David was also a prophet, and only prophets can tell what will happen in the future. God either tells them or gives them a vision, or a picture, of what will take place in the future,” said Alexander.  

“Simon, you sure raised some very smart boys. Oh—Peter is speaking again. Let’s listen,” said Boss. 

{Peter continued} “And we are all witnesses to this. Jesus was lifted up to heaven and is now at God’s right side. The Father has given the Holy Spirit to Jesus as he promised. So now Jesus has poured out that Spirit. This is what you see and hear… So, all the people of Israel should know this truly: God has made Jesus both Lord and Christ (Messiah). He is the man you nailed to the cross! When the people heard this, they were sick at heart. They asked Peter and the other apostles, “What shall we do?” 

“Boss, the thousands of people who were celebrating Pentecost are now mourning and crying because they understand that they killed their Jewish Messiah Jesus,” said Isaiah.  

“They feel just awful, and are now asking Peter to tell them what they should do,” said Boss. 

{The animals were also listening to Peter.} 

“What will Peter tell them?” asked Hurricane.

“I don’t know, but these people are feeling really bad knowing they had killed their own Messiah,” said Dan. 

“Guys, they should have known better! Hurricane, you and Tornado were not staying with us at the stable in those days, but during that time Boss, Isaiah, Dan, and I went to Jerusalem. When we arrived, two of Jesus’ disciples came up to us and said that the Master, Jesus, needed me. They took me to Jesus and He got up on my back and rode on me through the Eastern Gate in the wall around Jerusalem. At that time, the Jewish people laid palm branches on the road before Jesus! Dan, do you remember what the people called Jesus?” said Zeke. 

“I do! They yelled ‘Hosanna, Blessed is the King of Israel!’” said Dan. 

{Hosanna means save us}

“Listen—Peter is now telling the Jewish people what they must do,” said Tornado.  

{Peter continued… “Peter said to them, ‘Change your hearts and lives and be baptized, each one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’”}  

“Peter is telling the Jewish people what they must do to be forgiven of their sins and how the Holy Spirit will come into their hearts and change their lives, just like He did for us,” said Boss.

“I believe it’s about each one of us putting our faith and trust in Jesus. He said He died for all of our sins on the cross, but we need to believe it. And when we do, the power of the Holy Spirit will come into our minds and hearts,” said Sarah.

“Sarah, that’s excellent! Remember the story about Nicodemus coming to Jesus at night? “One night, Nicodemus came to Jesus. He said, “Teacher, we know that you are a teacher sent from God. No one can do the miracles you do, unless God is with him.” Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth. Unless you are born again, you cannot be in God’s kingdom.”  Jesus told Nicodemus that he needed to be ‘born-again,’ and that’s when the Holy Spirit of God comes into your heart. That’s what happened to all of us when the fire came down on us during Pentecost. We were ‘born-again.’ How amazing!” exclaimed Boss.

“Peter also talked about being baptized,” said Simon.

“After we receive the Holy Spirit, we are to be baptized just like Jesus was. Baptism shows that we died with Jesus, were buried with Him under the water, and raised out of the water to new life with Jesus,” said Boss.

{The animals were listening.}

“How did Boss, Sarah, Isaiah, and Simon understand all these things about Jesus and the Holy Spirit?” asked Zeke.

“I believe it must be the Holy Spirit’s power that God promised He would send. His power has changed their hearts and minds, giving them God’s wisdom,” said Dan.

“Dan, what does that big word, wisdom, mean?” asked Zeke. 

“I can tell him, Dan,” said Hurricane. 

“Wisdom is being wise; knowing what is true or right from God and using it to solve problems,” said Hurricane   

“Boss, everyone is going to be baptized. Shouldn’t we be baptized, too?” asked Sarah.

“Yes! Let’s all go to the Jordan River and be baptized where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist,” said Boss. 

Going to the Jordan River

{Sarah, Boss, Isaiah, Simon and his two boys, Rufus and Alexander, helped pack Dan and Zeke with their belongings and drinking water. Sarah and Boss mounted Hurricane and Simon, Rufus and Alexander mounted Tornado. They left out for the Jordan river where each of them was baptized…}

“I’m glad we were baptized. Now it’s time to go home,” said Sarah. 

“Simon, Rufus and Alexander, it was sure nice meeting you. I hope you can come one day to our home in Nazareth,” said Boss. 

“Yes, we will! We can look back and remember all the great stories about Jesus; how on the day of Pentecost, fire came down on each of us, and how the Holy Spirit now lives in our hearts. We can talk about the good things the Holy Spirit is doing in our lives. Goodbye, we’ll see you soon!” said Simon. 

{Boss and Sarah mounted Hurricane, and Isaiah mounted Tornado. They slowly rode back to Nazareth with Dan and Zeke following. Along the way, they stopped at the feed store and bought feed for the animals and supplies for the Inn. They arrived back home a few hours later.}

“Hey, everyone, here they come!” shouted Gus.

“Oh, I’m so glad they’re back home,” yelled Leah.

“Well, hello, Hurricane and Tornado. You’re a sight for sore eyes,” smiled Lizzy.

“It’s good to have the whole gang back together again,” said Phil. 

“You’ve got to tell us everything that happened while you were in Jerusalem, once you’ve settled in and rested awhile,” said Leah. 

{While the animals were drinking and settling in, Boss and Isaiah put the feed into the store room and started talking about what had happened to them. The Barnyard Gang listened.} 

“Boss, it’s really hard to believe we have the Holy Spirit living inside our hearts,” said Isaiah.

“I know, but it’s true; now we get to live a life of serving Jesus every day and telling others about Him,” said Boss. 

“What’s all this talk about some Holy Spirit living in their hearts?” asked Lizzy. 

“I know it’s hard to understand, Miss Lizzy, but here’s what happened: On the day of Pentecost, there was a strong wind, and fire came down and touched everyone who was in the Upper Room. Then, the disciples began to speak in different languages,” said Hurricane.

“Fire came down? Did anyone get burnt?” shouted Leah.

“No. It was a flame of fire from the Holy Spirit that touched them. The disciples were speaking so loudly that the thousands of people who were celebrating Pentecost nearby came to the Upper Room to find out who was speaking in their languages. You see, they were from different countries and spoke different languages,” said Tornado.

“I hear what you are saying, but why did this happen?” asked Phil.

“Jesus told everyone that the Father in Heaven was going to send the Holy Spirit with power. That’s what happened on Pentecost. Everyone in the Upper Room received His power when fire from the Holy Spirit touched each one of them,” said Hurricane.

“What did the power from the Holy Spirit do to them?” asked Lizzy. 

“The way Boss and Sarah explained it was that they were being born again,” said Dan. 

“Okay, but this being born again stuff tells me nothing,” said Lizzy

“Lizzy, being born again means that when they die, they will go to heaven and be with Jesus. And, until then, they are to tell everyone that Jesus loves them and that they need to put all their faith in Jesus so they can be born again, too,” said Dan. 

“Wow. Are you sure you didn’t get some of that Holy Spirit’s power?” asked Lizzy with a smile. 

{All the Barnyard Gang laughed}

“I sure hope we can be born again so we can be with Jesus in Heaven,” said Leah. 

“Yeah, we animals always seem to be getting the short end of the stick!” laughed Lizzy

{The Barnyard Gang laughed.}

“Very funny, Lizzy! Although God has taken good care of us animals so far, and I know He will take care of us when Heaven comes,” said Phil.

______

(Boys and Girls, that’s the seventh and last story of the Barnyard Gang. I hope you enjoyed it, but you never know when they might come back again!) 

Helping Your Child Understand the Uniqueness of Jesus

Questions for Book 7

The Barnyard Gang helps children better understand who Jesus is and His purpose for coming to earth. The events in this story center on Jesus’ unique life leading to His death on the cross. Don’t be afraid to say, “I don’t know,” when your child asks difficult questions. Enjoy this time together as you read the story—and remember, no one knows it all. Use this opportunity as a time for discovery, where you and your child can learn together. When you have finished reading the story, spend time discussing it together. Ask them about their favorite part of the story and their favorite characters. Ask them if there is anything they didn’t understand. Something that may need explaining is why Jesus had to go to the cross. 

The following thoughts will help you on that journey of discovery.

Discovering with Your Child

The Power from Heaven—Bible questions:

Jesus was carried up into heaven from what Mountain? Answers:    A) Mount Sinai. B) Mount Tabor. C) Mount of Olives.

Before Jesus rises to heaven, He told His disciples that His Father is going to send them something. What is Jesus’ Father going to send?
Answers: A) Wine. B) Power from heaven. C) Beautiful Angels.

How did Jesus die?
Answers: A) Heart attack. B) Crucified on a cross.        C) Fell off a donkey.

How did Jesus go to heaven?
A) He flew on a plane. B) Jesus floated through the clouds into heaven. C) Jesus disappeared. 

Who appeared in white robes after Jesus floated into heaven? A) A man in beautiful robes. B) An angel. C) Two men in white robes. 

Who were the two men in white robes?
A) Jewish priests. B) Soldiers.        C) Angels

What did the 2 angels tell the men who were looking up into the sky after Jesus rose into heaven?
A) Jesus wasn’t coming back. B) Jesus will come back the same way you saw Him go. C) Jesus loves all people.

What was the big celebration in Jerusalem that Jewish people and others celebrated?
A) New year. B) Pentecost. C) New moon. 

Extra credit question. What does Pentecost mean?
A) The new moon. B) New year. C) 50 days. 

What does Passover mean?
A) The Angel of Death passed over the houses of the Israelites with the lamb’s blood painted on the door posts. B) A cow was sacrificed. C) The moon’s shadow passed over the earth blocking out the sun. 

The Passover happened to what people?
A) The people in Jerusalem. B) The people in America. C) Israelites slaves and the Egyptian people. 

Who was the Egyptian leader when the Israelites were slaves in Egypt?    
A) Abraham Lincoln. B) Pharaoh. C) Cleopatra. 

Who was Moses?
A) An Israelite man who grew up in Pharaoh’s household.   B) Moses helped free the Israelites from Egypt. C) Moses saw a bush on fire, but it didn’t burn up. D) All of the above.

What did God tell Moses to say to Pharaoh?
A) You are an evil leader.  B) Let my people go. C) Give the Israelites more food.

What finally caused Pharaoh to let the Israelites go?
A) The Angel of Death killed all of the Egyptian first-born males. B) The Israelites refused to work for Pharaoh. C) Pharaoh died. 

When the Angel of Death passed over and killed all the Egyptians firstborn males, did that cause Pharaoh to let the Israelites go?
A) No, Pharaoh still wouldn’t let them go. B) Yes, Pharaoh let the Israelites go. C) The Israelites didn’t want to go because they liked being in Egypt.

Did the Egyptian people give anything to the Israelites before they left Egypt?
A) No, because they were mad at them for leaving. B) They gave them camels to ride on. C) They gave them silver and gold.

How many Israelites left Egypt?
A) A few hundred left Egypt. B) 70 people left Egypt. C) Thousands of Israelites left Egypt. 

What stopped the Israelites from going to Israel?
A) The Egyptian army. B) The Red Sea. C) The mountains. 

Who chased after the Israelites?
A) The Egyptian army. B) Robbers. C. Egyptian people wanting their gold and silver back. 

How did the Israelites get across the Red Sea?
A) Moses held this walking stick over the sea. B) Wind blew all night long and parted the sea. C) God caused the waters to part and they walked through the water on both sides on dry ground. D) All of the above. 

What happened to the Egyptian army that was chasing them? A) They caught the Israelites. B) Moses raised his walking stick over the Sea and the waters of the sea came over the Egyptians army and they were never seen again. C) They went back to Egypt.

Did the Israelites ever make it to Israel?
A) No, they stayed in the desert.   B) They got hungry and went back to Egypt. C) Yes, the made it to Israel. 

What were the disciples waiting for and where?
A) They were waiting for supper to be served in the Upper Room. B) They were waiting for the Power from Heaven in the Upper Room. C) They were waiting for Jesus in the Upper Room.  

How many people were in the Upper Room waiting for the Power from Heaven?
A) 12. B) 20. C) 120.

What happened when the Power from Heaven came down?
A) A fire started. B) A loud sound like rushing wind and then fire came down touching each person. C) Lightning struck. 

What happened to each of them?
A) They all began to speak in different languages. B) They sang a song. C) They fell into a deep sleep. 

What came into their hearts and lives?
A) Holy Spirit. B) Jesus. C) God. D) A, B, & C.                  

Answers to questions:

C) Mount of Olives.

B) Power from heaven.

B)  Crucified on a cross.

B) Jesus floated through the clouds into heaven.

C) Two men in white robes. 

C) Angels. 

C) Jesus will come back the same way you saw Him go.

B) Pentecost

A) It means 50 (days).

A) The Angel of Death passed over the houses of the Israelites that had blood painted over the door posts.

C) Israelites slaves and the Egyptian people. 

B) Pharaoh.

D) all of the above.

B) Let my people go.

A) The Angel of Death killed all the of first-born Egyptians males.

B) Yes, Pharaoh let the Israelites go 

C) They gave them silver and gold. 

C) Thousands of Israelites left Egypt.

B) The Red Sea. 

A) Egyptian army.

D) All of the above 

C) The Red Sea came over the Egyptian army and they were not seen again.

C) Yes, they made it to Israel. 

B) They were waiting for the Power from Heaven in the Upper Room   

C) 120

B) A loud sound like rushing wind and then fire came down, touching each person.

A) They all began to speak in different languages. 

D) A, B, & C.

The Bible tells us everything we need to know about what happened to Jesus, both good and bad. If you went through all these questions, I believe God is very proud of you for learning these important facts in the Bible. Good Job!!!