Lesson: Acts 19:35 (Ages 9-11)

📖 Acts 19:35 – Ages 9-11

Explanation

In Acts 19:35, the city clerk of Ephesus is talking to a big group of people who were getting very noisy and upset. He tells them that everyone in Ephesus knows how important the temple of Artemis is. It's like a special place where people would go to worship a statue of a goddess named Artemis.

The clerk mentions that the image of Artemis fell from heaven, which means people believed it was a very special and powerful statue. Just like how kids might have a favorite toy that they think is really amazing and important to them.

So, the city clerk was trying to calm down the crowd by reminding them of the importance of the temple and the statue of Artemis to the people of Ephesus. It's like when a grown-up tries to remind kids of something very special to them to help them feel better when they are upset.

This verse teaches us that different people believe in different things and that it's important to respect what is special and meaningful to others, even if we may not believe the same things.

Kid's Story

Once upon a time in a bustling city called Ephesus, there was a curious squirrel named Nutmeg. Nutmeg loved exploring every nook and cranny of the city, especially the grand temple of Artemis.

One day, a loud commotion erupted in the city square as people argued about their beliefs. The city clerk, a wise owl named Ollie, stepped in and calmed everyone down. Ollie explained to the crowd how important the temple of Artemis was to the Ephesians.

Nutmeg listened intently and realized that just like the Ephesians valued their temple, everyone has something they hold dear in their hearts. It could be family, friends, or even a special place. Nutmeg learned that it's essential to respect what others hold sacred, even if it's different from what you believe.

From that day on, Nutmeg scurried through Ephesus with a newfound understanding and appreciation for the diversity of beliefs in the city.

Prayer Prompt

Dear God, thank you for being our protector and guardian just like the city of Ephesus guarded the temple of Artemis. Help us to remember that You are always with us, watching over us and keeping us safe. Amen.

Discussion Questions

What do you think the city clerk wanted to tell the people of Ephesus about the temple of Artemis?
Why do you think the people of Ephesus were so passionate about the temple of Artemis?
How do you think the people's beliefs about Artemis compare to what the Bible teaches us about God?
Why do you think it's important for us as Christians to understand different beliefs and worship practices?
How can we show love and respect to others who may believe in different things than we do?

Life Application

In Acts 19:35, we see the city clerk addressing a crowd in Ephesus, emphasizing the importance of their beliefs and their devotion to the goddess Artemis. For children aged 9-11, they can apply the message of this verse by understanding the significance of respecting others' beliefs and cultures.

At home, children can learn to appreciate and respect their family members' beliefs, even if they are different from their own. They can practice kindness and understanding when discussing topics related to faith or traditions with their parents or siblings.

In school, children can apply the message of Acts 19:35 by showing respect for their classmates' diverse backgrounds and beliefs. They can listen attentively during discussions about different cultures and religions, asking questions to learn more without passing judgment.

With friends, children can demonstrate tolerance and acceptance by celebrating each other's differences. They can choose to be inclusive and kind, avoiding teasing or making fun of someone because of their beliefs or customs.

By applying the message of Acts 19:35 in their daily lives, children can cultivate a spirit of respect, kindness, and understanding towards others, fostering harmonious relationships and promoting a culture of acceptance and love.

Craft or Activity

Let's create a craft to help us remember the message of Acts 19:35! We can make a mini diorama of the city of Ephesus and the temple of Artemis. You can use cardboard or a shoebox as the base. Then, gather small figurines or create them using clay or paper to represent the temple and people of Ephesus. As you work on the craft, you can talk about the importance of the temple to the Ephesians and how the city clerk addressed the crowd. This hands-on activity will help you visualize and remember the message of the verse in a fun way.

Memory Verse or Rhyme

Listen up, kids, here's a rhyme just for you,
About Acts 19:35 and what it says is true!

In Ephesus, the people gathered 'round,
To hear the city clerk with a calming sound.

He reminded them of Artemis, so grand,
And how her image came from a heavenly land.

So remember this verse, let it stick like glue,
The Ephesians protected Artemis, through and through!

Songs or Videos

One Christian song for kids that relates to the message of Acts 19:35 is "My God is So Big" by Go Fish. This song talks about how powerful and great God is, emphasizing His greatness above all other idols or false gods.

Another song that can be related to Acts 19:35 is "God is Bigger" by VeggieTales. This song reassures children that God is bigger and more powerful than anything else they may encounter, just like how the city clerk emphasized the greatness of Artemis in Ephesus.

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