Waiting in Jerusalem for Kids: Bible Story Explained Simply
Ages 5+·6 min read·New Testament·By Faithful Kids Team·Updated August 16, 2026
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Waiting in Jerusalem
Series: He is Risen (Episode 09 of 10) | Scripture: Matthew/Luke/Acts | Ages 5+
Waiting in Jerusalem is a Bible story from Matthew/Luke/Acts in the New Testament. This retelling is designed for kids ages 5 and up, using simple language they can understand and lessons they will remember.
What Is the Story of Waiting in Jerusalem for Kids?
HE IS RISEN — Episode 9: Waiting in Jerusalem Based on Acts 1:12-26 Series: He Is Risen | Target Age: 7-15
Let me tell you about one of the hardest things my followers ever had to do. It was not fighting a battle. It was not climbing a mountain. It was waiting.
After I ascended into heaven, the disciples walked back to Jerusalem — about a mile from the place where they watched me disappear into the clouds. I had given them a clear instruction: "Stay in Jerusalem. Wait for the gift the Father promised." I did not tell them exactly when. I did not give them a countdown clock. I just said WAIT.
They went to an upper room — Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. All eleven of them. Plus the women who had followed me, including my mother Mary. And my brothers. About one hundred and twenty believers gathered together.
This story comes from Matthew/Luke/Acts and is part of the New Testament.
What Does the Story of Waiting in Jerusalem Teach Children?
The story of Waiting in Jerusalem teaches children important lessons about resurrection, hope, faith, new life, Easter:
This story teaches children about resurrection in a way they can understand
God's love and faithfulness are visible throughout this story
Every Bible story connects to the bigger picture of God's plan for the world
Key Bible Verse
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart." — Proverbs 3:5
Pair this with our free Palm Sunday coloring page — one sheet, ready for the kitchen table or the classroom.
Parent's Guide: Why This Story Matters
Every Bible story is an opportunity to talk with your child about faith in a natural, low-pressure way. After watching, ask an open-ended question like 'What was your favorite part?' or 'What do you think God was trying to teach us?' These conversations do not need to be long or perfect. The goal is simply to make the Bible feel like a living, relevant part of your family's life, not something dusty on a shelf.
Quiz: Test What Your Child Learned
After watching the video, see if your child can answer these questions:
What did Jesus tell His disciples to do after He ascended?
Stay in Jerusalem and wait for the Holy Spirit. Jesus gave them a clear instruction: stay in Jerusalem and wait for the gift the Father promised — the Holy Spirit.
How many believers gathered together in the upper room?
About one hundred and twenty. About one hundred and twenty believers gathered in the upper room, including the eleven disciples, the women, Mary the mother of Jesus, and His brothers.
What did the believers do while they waited?
They prayed constantly and stayed united. They devoted themselves to prayer, staying together and unified as they waited for what Jesus had promised.
Who was chosen to replace Judas among the twelve?
Matthias. After prayer and casting lots, Matthias was chosen to take Judas's place, restoring the number of apostles to twelve.
What is the big lesson about waiting on God?
Obedient waiting is preparation for what God has next. When God says "wait," it is not "no" — it is "not yet." Obedient waiting, filled with prayer and patience, prepares you for what God has planned next.
Discussion Questions for Families
Use these questions at the dinner table or during bedtime:
What was your favorite part of the story of Waiting in Jerusalem?
What do you think God was teaching us through this story?
How can we be more like Waiting in our own lives?
If you were in this story, what would you have done differently?
What does this story teach us about trusting God?
More Episodes in the He is Risen Series
This story is episode 09 of 10 in the He is Risen series:
Faithful Kids has 300+ Bible story videos covering the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Every story is a short video lesson, designed for kids Ages 5+, with a quiz after each lesson. No ads, ever.
What is the story of Waiting in Jerusalem about for kids?
Waiting in Jerusalem is a story from Matthew/Luke/Acts. HE IS RISEN — Episode 9: Waiting in Jerusalem Based on Acts 1:12-26 Series: He Is Risen | Target Age: 7-15
What age is the story of Waiting in Jerusalem appropriate for?
This retelling of Waiting in Jerusalem is designed for children Ages 5+. The language is simple and age-appropriate, and the video is just a few minutes long, perfect for young attention spans.
Where is Waiting in Jerusalem found in the Bible?
Waiting in Jerusalem is found in Matthew/Luke/Acts in the New Testament. It is part of the He is Risen series on Faithful Kids.
Is there a video of Waiting in Jerusalem for kids?
Yes. Faithful Kids has a short video retelling of Waiting in Jerusalem designed for children, with narration, visuals, and a comprehension quiz. Watch it here.
How can I use Waiting in Jerusalem for Sunday School or homeschool?
Play the short Faithful Kids video as an introduction, then use the discussion questions above for group conversation. The built-in quiz checks comprehension. Many Sunday school teachers and homeschool parents use Faithful Kids as weekly curriculum.
What does Waiting in Jerusalem teach kids?
The story of Waiting in Jerusalem teaches children about resurrection, hope, faith, new life, Easter. This story teaches children about resurrection in a way they can understand.
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