Lesson: Acts 14:23 (Ages 9-11)

📖 Acts 14:23 – Ages 9-11

Explanation

In this verse from the book of Acts, it talks about how the early Christians appointed leaders called elders to help take care of each church. These elders were like wise friends who would guide and look after the people in the church.

When it says they prayed with fasting, it means they talked to God while skipping a meal or doing something special to show they were serious about asking for His help. It's like when you really want something and you ask your parents for it with all your heart.

And when they entrusted them to the Lord, it means they gave these leaders into God's care and believed that God would help and protect them as they led the church. It's like how you trust your teacher to take care of you at school and guide you in learning new things.

Putting their faith in the Lord means they believed that God was with them and would help them no matter what happened. It's like having a best friend who is always by your side, ready to listen and help you when you need it.

So, this verse reminds us that just like the early Christians trusted God to take care of their leaders, we can trust God to take care of us and guide us in our lives. God is always there for us, ready to listen to our prayers and help us through anything we face.

Kid's Story

Once upon a time, in a magical forest, there was a wise old owl named Oliver. All the animals in the forest looked up to Oliver for guidance and advice. One day, Oliver decided it was time to choose helpers to look after the forest when he was gone.

He called a meeting with all the animals and explained, "Just like how the elders were appointed in every church in Acts 14:23, I will appoint wise animals to care for our forest." The animals listened intently.

Oliver chose three young squirrels who showed great wisdom and kindness. He prayed with fasting for them and then entrusted them to the Lord, in whom he had put his faith.

The squirrels learned to work together, guided by Oliver's teachings. They took care of the forest and all its creatures, just like the elders in the Bible. And the forest flourished under their care, showing that faith and teamwork can accomplish great things.

Prayer Prompt

Dear God, thank you for the elders you have appointed to guide us in our church. Help us to trust in you like they did in Acts 14:23. We pray that you will help us grow in our faith and always rely on you. Amen.

Discussion Questions

1. What do you think it means to be an elder in a church?
2. Why do you think it is important to pray and fast when making important decisions in the church?
3. How can we show that we are putting our faith in the Lord like the early Christians did?
4. Why do you think the early Christians entrusted the elders to the Lord?
5. How can we trust in the Lord in our own lives, just like the early Christians did in Acts 14:23?

Life Application

In Acts 14:23, we see the importance of appointing leaders in the church and entrusting them to the Lord through prayer and fasting. Children can apply this message in their real life by recognizing the importance of leadership and authority figures in different areas like at home, school, or within their friend groups.

At home, children can show respect for their parents or guardians who are their leaders by obeying them, praying for them, and trusting that God will guide and help them in their roles.

In school, children can respect their teachers and school leaders, pray for them, and trust that God is working through them to provide a safe and nurturing environment for learning.

With friends, children can be good leaders themselves by setting positive examples, being kind and helpful, and praying for their friends to grow closer to God.

By following the example of appointing leaders and entrusting them to the Lord in different aspects of their lives, children can learn to respect authority, show love and support for others, and strengthen their own faith in God’s guidance and provision.

Craft or Activity

Let's create a special "Prayer and Faith Jar" activity!

Start by providing each child with a small glass jar and decorating materials like stickers, markers, and ribbon. Have them write or draw symbols representing prayer and faith on the jar.

Next, give each child small strips of paper to write down their prayers or things they are putting their faith in the Lord for. Encourage them to fold and place these papers inside their jar.

Explain Acts 14:23 and discuss the importance of appointing elders, praying, and entrusting everything to the Lord. Encourage the children to share their prayers and faith declarations with each other.

Finally, have them place their Prayer and Faith Jar in a special spot in their room or home where they can see it daily. This activity will serve as a visual reminder of their prayers and faith in the Lord, just like the early Christians in Acts did.

Memory Verse or Rhyme

Appointing elders in every place,
Praying and fasting, seeking God's grace.
Entrusting them to the Lord above,
In faith and love, with hearts full of love.

Songs or Videos

A great Christian song for kids that relates to the message of Acts 14:23 is "Here I Am, Lord" by John Michael Talbot. This song talks about surrendering to God's will and trusting Him with our lives, just like the elders were entrusted to the Lord in the Bible verse. Another wonderful song is "Thy Word" by Amy Grant, which emphasizes the importance of God's Word in guiding and leading us, similar to how the early church leaders sought God through prayer and fasting before entrusting the elders to His care. Both songs are beautiful reminders of putting our faith in the Lord and seeking His guidance in all things.

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