Lesson: Acts 7:52 (Ages 6-8)

📖 Acts 7:52 – Ages 6-8

Explanation

In Acts 7:52, it talks about how the people in the past didn't treat God's messengers very nicely. They hurt and even killed some of them. Stephen, the person speaking in this verse, is telling the people that they are acting just like their ancestors by not listening to God's message and being mean to those who speak the truth.

It's like if you were playing a game with your friends, but instead of playing fair and listening to the rules, you started ignoring them and being mean to anyone who reminded you of the rules. That wouldn't be very nice, right?

In the same way, God's messengers were trying to help people do the right thing and follow God's ways. But instead of listening and being kind, some people chose to ignore them and even hurt them. Stephen is reminding the people in Acts 7:52 that they are making the same mistake as their ancestors by not treating God's messengers with respect and kindness.

So, this verse is teaching us to listen to God's messengers, be kind to others, and always follow God's ways with love and respect.

Kid's Story

Once upon a time, there was a friendly squirrel named Sammy who loved to share nuts with all his forest friends. One day, the birds warned Sammy that the mean crows were planning to steal the nuts from his tree.

Sammy didn't believe them and shooed the birds away. But when the crows came and snatched all his nuts, Sammy felt sad and betrayed. The wise old owl reminded Sammy of the verse in Acts 7:52 - just like the prophets were mistreated, Sammy had ignored his friends' warnings.

Sammy learned to listen to others and not ignore good advice. He realized that sometimes people don't appreciate those who try to help them. From that day on, Sammy made sure to always be kind and listen to his friends, just like we should listen to God's teachings in the Bible.

Prayer Prompt

Dear God, thank you for sending us prophets to teach us about your love and righteousness. Help us to always listen to your message and follow your ways. Amen.

Discussion Questions

1. Who are the prophets mentioned in Acts 7:52?
2. What does it mean to persecute someone?
3. Why do you think some people didn't like the prophets' messages?
4. How do you think we can show love and respect for others, even when we disagree with them?
5. How can we learn from the mistakes of the past to make better choices in the future?

Life Application

This Bible verse from Acts 7:52 teaches us that sometimes people choose to hurt or mistreat others who are trying to do what is right. As a child, you can apply this message by always choosing to be kind and loving to others, even when it's difficult.

At home, you can show love and respect to your family members, even when you may disagree with them. You can also stand up for what is right and fair, just like the prophets did in the Bible.

At school, you can be a good friend by treating others with kindness and helping those who may be lonely or in need. Just like the prophets spoke the truth even when it was hard, you can choose honesty and integrity in your words and actions.

With your friends, you can choose to be a peacemaker and help resolve conflicts peacefully. Remember that being kind and standing up for what is right, even when it's not popular, is important in following the example of Jesus, the Righteous One mentioned in the verse.

Craft or Activity

One fun activity to help children understand Acts 7:52 is to create a timeline craft. Start by discussing the verse and explaining that it talks about how some people in the past mistreated and even killed prophets who spoke God's truth.

Next, provide the children with materials to create a timeline on a long piece of paper or cardboard. Have them draw or write the names of different prophets (e.g., Moses, Elijah, Isaiah) along the timeline. Encourage them to draw simple illustrations or symbols representing how each prophet was treated by the people of their time.

As they work on the timeline, discuss each prophet briefly and how they were mistreated for sharing God's message. This hands-on activity can help children visualize the stories of the prophets and understand the importance of listening to and respecting God's messengers.

Memory Verse or Rhyme

In days of old, prophets were bold,
Their words of truth were told and sold.
But some were met with anger and hate,
Even killed for speaking straight.

Jesus, the Righteous One, they foretold,
But His betrayers were oh so bold.
Remember this, my little friend,
God's love and truth will never end.

Songs or Videos

A great Christian song for kids that relates to the message of Acts 7:52 is "My Lighthouse" by Rend Collective. This song talks about God being our lighthouse in times of trouble, just like the prophets in the Bible foretold the coming of Jesus, the Righteous One, who brings light to our lives.

Another wonderful song for kids that ties into Acts 7:52 is "Your Love Never Fails" by Newsboys. This song reminds us that God's love never fails, even when people reject or persecute us for following Him, just like the prophets who were persecuted for sharing God's message.

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