Lesson: Acts 23:3 (Ages 9-11)

📖 Acts 23:3 – Ages 9-11

Explanation

In Acts 23:3, Paul is upset because someone is being unfair to him. He compares that person to a painted wall that looks nice on the outside but is actually falling apart on the inside. This person is judging Paul by the rules but not following the rules themselves.

Imagine if you were playing a game with your friends, and one friend made a rule that nobody could break, but then that same friend broke the rule themselves. You would feel like that friend was being unfair, just like how Paul felt in this situation.

Paul wants to teach us that it's important to be fair and honest in everything we do. We shouldn't pretend to be good on the outside but do bad things on the inside. God wants us to be kind and truthful, both in our words and our actions. Just like a strong building needs a solid foundation, our character should be built on honesty and goodness.

Kid's Story

Once upon a time, in a magical forest, there was a wise old owl named Ollie. Ollie loved to help his friends and give them good advice. One day, a proud peacock named Percy strutted into the forest, boasting about his beautiful feathers and fancy nest.

Percy liked to show off and make fun of others, thinking he was better than everyone else. Ollie warned Percy that true beauty comes from kindness and humility, not just appearances. But Percy didn't listen and continued to be rude to his friends.

One stormy night, a strong wind blew and Percy's nest, which only looked pretty on the outside, fell apart because it was poorly built. Percy realized that he had been like the painted wall in the Bible verse, all show but weak inside.

From then on, Percy learned to be humble and kind, understanding that true beauty comes from the heart, just like God wants us to be.

Prayer Prompt

Dear God, thank you for showing us that what's on the outside doesn't matter as much as what's in our hearts. Help us to always be honest and kind, just like you want us to be. Amen.

Discussion Questions

What do you think Paul meant when he called the high priest a "painted wall"?

Why do you think Paul pointed out the high priest's actions as being hypocritical?

How do you think we can apply the lesson from this verse to our own lives, especially when it comes to being honest and fair in our interactions with others?

How can we remember to show respect and speak truthfully even when we feel we are being treated unfairly, just like Paul did in this situation?

What do you think this verse teaches us about the importance of being sincere and genuine in our words and actions?

Life Application

This verse from Acts 23:3 teaches us that it's important to look beyond outward appearances and focus on what is truly in a person's heart. Just like the wall in the verse looked good on the outside but was actually crumbling inside, people may sometimes act a certain way on the surface, but their true intentions and character may be different.

Children aged 9-11 can apply this message in their daily lives by being understanding and not quick to judge others based on how they appear or what they do. They can learn to show kindness and grace, even when others may not deserve it. It's important for children to treat others with love and respect, just as Jesus teaches us to do.

At home, school, or with friends, children can remember to be kind, patient, and forgiving. They can choose to see the good in others, even when faced with challenging situations. By following the example of Jesus and looking beyond outward appearances, children can create a more loving and compassionate environment in their everyday interactions.

Craft or Activity

Let's create a craft called "Solid Foundation Rock Painting." Provide each child with a small rock, paint, and markers. Ask them to paint the rock with a beautiful design on the outside, representing how a person may look good on the outside like the painted wall mentioned in Acts 23:3. Then have them use a marker to write or draw something meaningful on the inside of the rock, such as a Bible verse or the word "faith." This will help the children understand that just like the painted wall, it's essential to have a strong foundation of faith and goodness on the inside.

Memory Verse or Rhyme

Remember this verse with glee,
Paul said to the wall so pretty.
Like a wall with hidden decay,
God sees what's beneath, come what may!
Just like the wall, don't hide your sin,
God knows all, let His love come in!

Songs or Videos

A great song for kids that relates to the message of Acts 23:3 is "The Wise Man Built His House Upon the Rock." This song teaches children the importance of building their lives on a strong foundation, just like the wise man who built his house on the rock in the Bible story. Another song that can be related to this verse is "The B-I-B-L-E." This song helps children remember the importance of knowing and following God's Word, just like Paul stood firm in his faith and knowledge of the law in Acts 23:3.

📄 Download as PDF