Lesson: Acts 15:36 (Ages 9-11)

📖 Acts 15:36 – Ages 9-11

Explanation

In Acts 15:36, Paul and Barnabas want to go back and visit the friends they made in different towns where they shared stories about Jesus. They want to see how their friends are doing and help them if they need anything.

Imagine if you had a friend from a different school or city who moved away, and you missed them. Going back to visit them would make you happy, right? That's how Paul and Barnabas felt about their friends in the towns they had visited.

Just like how we check on our friends to see how they are and if they need anything, Paul and Barnabas wanted to do the same for their friends. It's important to show care and love to others, just like how Jesus taught us to love one another.

Kid's Story

Once upon a time, there was a curious squirrel named Sammy who loved to explore the forest. One day, Sammy found a big, juicy acorn and wanted to share it with his friends. But he remembered his friend Lily, who lived far away in the other side of the forest.

Sammy thought of Paul and Barnabas from the Bible, who traveled to visit their friends in different towns. Inspired by their kindness, Sammy decided to go on an adventure to visit Lily. Along the way, he met new friends, shared his acorn, and learned that spreading joy is important.

When Sammy finally reached Lily's tree, she was so happy to see him. They played together, shared stories, and Sammy felt grateful for making the journey. Just like Paul and Barnabas, Sammy learned that visiting and caring for friends is a special way to show love.

Prayer Prompt

Dear God, thank you for the example of Paul and Barnabas in Acts 15:36. Help us to remember to care for others and check in on our friends and family to see how they are doing. Amen.

Discussion Questions

1. Why do you think Paul and Barnabas wanted to go back and visit the brothers and sisters in the towns where they had preached?
2. How do you think Paul and Barnabas felt about wanting to check on the people they had taught about God?
3. How can we show love and care for others like Paul and Barnabas did by wanting to visit and check on them?
4. Have you ever felt the need to go back and check on someone you care about? How did it make you feel?
5. What can we learn from Paul and Barnabas about the importance of staying connected and supporting our friends and fellow believers?

Life Application

In Acts 15:36, we see Paul and Barnabas deciding to revisit the places where they had shared the message of God. Children can apply this by checking in on their friends or family members whom they haven't seen in a while. They can reach out to show they care and see how they are doing. This verse teaches children the importance of staying connected and caring for others, just like Paul and Barnabas did with the brothers and sisters in different towns.

Craft or Activity

One fun activity you can do with children to help them understand and remember the message of Acts 15:36 is to create a map of Paul and Barnabas' journey. Provide children with a large piece of paper, markers, and stickers or pins. Have them plot out the different towns where Paul and Barnabas preached the word of the Lord. As they create the map, encourage them to discuss the importance of visiting and checking in on fellow believers, just like Paul and Barnabas did. This hands-on activity can help reinforce the message of Acts 15:36 in a visual and engaging way for children aged 9-11.

Memory Verse or Rhyme

Let's go back and visit, Paul said with a grin,
To see our brothers and sisters, and check how they've been.
In every town we've preached, the word of the Lord we'll share,
Showing love and kindness, to show how much we care.

Songs or Videos

One song that relates to the message of Acts 15:36 is "We Are One in the Spirit (They'll Know We Are Christians By Our Love)." This song emphasizes the importance of unity and caring for one another as brothers and sisters in Christ, just like Paul and Barnabas did when they visited the believers in different towns.

Another great song is "Go and Make Disciples." This song encourages children to follow in the footsteps of Paul and Barnabas by sharing the love of Jesus with others and spreading the good news of the Lord. It reminds us of the importance of reaching out to those who have heard the word of God and supporting them in their faith journey.

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