This lesson teaches children that Jesus can change anyone, even someone who once worked against Him. In Acts 9, a man named Saul meets Jesus on the road and becomes a new person. The lesson suits ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
Jesus can change even the hardest heart. When we ask Him, He makes us new and sends us to share His love.
Memory Verse
Acts 9:6
But rise up, and enter into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
(WEB)
Have children stand up tall with arms stretched high when they say the words “rise up,” then slowly lower their arms as they say “enter into the city.” This motion reminds them that God calls us to get up and go where He sends us.
The Story: Acts 9 for Kids
There was a man named Saul who really did not like Jesus’ followers. He wanted to find them and put them in jail. He asked the leaders for letters that would let him arrest anyone who belonged to Jesus. He was sure he was doing the right thing.
As Saul traveled near a city called Damascus, a bright light flashed from the sky. He fell to the ground and heard a voice. The voice asked, “Saul, why are you hurting me?” Saul asked, “Who are you, Lord?” The voice answered, “I am Jesus. Get up and go into the city, and you will be told what to do.”
When Saul opened his eyes, he could not see anything at all. His friends led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days, he did not eat or drink. He just waited and prayed.
God spoke to a follower named Ananias in a vision. God told Ananias to go find Saul and pray for him. Ananias was scared at first, because he had heard how bad Saul had been. But Ananias obeyed, went to Saul, and said, “Brother Saul, Jesus sent me so you can see again.”
Right away, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see! He was baptized, ate some food, and felt strong again. Soon Saul began telling everyone that Jesus is the Son of God. The people who heard him were amazed at how much he had changed.
Read It Together
Acts 9:4-5
4 He fell on the earth, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” 5 He said, “Who are you, Lord?” The Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.
(WEB)
Point out that Jesus spoke to Saul even while Saul was working against Him. Show children that Jesus cares about each person and is never far away, even when we make mistakes.
Acts 9:17-18
17 Ananias departed, and entered into the house. Laying his hands on him, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord, who appeared to you on the road by which you came, has sent me, that you may receive your sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he received his sight. He arose and was baptized.
(WEB)
Ask children to notice that Ananias called Saul “Brother” before Saul had changed his heart in public. Explain that God used a faithful friend to bring healing, and that God often works through people who obey Him.
Acts 9:36-39
36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which when translated, means Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and acts of mercy which she did. 37 In those days, she became sick, and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. 38 As Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. 39 Peter got up and went with them. When he had come, they brought him into the upper room. All the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them.
(WEB)
Point out how much the widows loved Dorcas because she had made clothes for them and helped people. Show children that doing kind things for others makes a real difference, and that God sees every good deed.
Talk About It
- What do you think Saul felt when he could not see anything after the bright light?
- How did Ananias feel about going to see Saul, and what helped him be brave?
- Why do you think Jesus called Saul by name on the road?
- Can you think of someone who seemed hard to love, and how could we show that person kindness?
- What is one kind thing you can do for someone this week?
Activity Ideas
Light and Sight Drawing
Give each child a sheet of paper and crayons or markers. Ask them to draw a bright light shining from the sky with Saul on the ground beneath it. Then have them draw Saul later with his eyes open, smiling. Talk about how Jesus brought light to Saul’s life.
Stand Up and Go Game
Have children sit on the floor in a circle. Call out “Rise up!” and they stand, then “Enter the city!” and they walk in place. Mix in silly commands like “Be quiet like Saul’s friends!” to keep it fun. Explain that Saul listened carefully and obeyed when Jesus spoke.
Take-Home Kindness Jar
Gather an empty jar, some paper scraps, and a pen. Each time your child does something kind for someone at home, have them write it on a scrap and drop it in the jar. At the end of the week, read the notes together and thank God for each one. This helps children see how their everyday actions show God’s love.
Teacher Notes
Acts 9 shows that no one is too far from God’s reach. Saul was actively opposing the church, yet Jesus met him personally and called him to a new purpose. Adults can take encouragement that God can transform people we might have given up on, and that He often uses ordinary believers like Ananias to bring hope.
When teaching children, avoid suggesting that God will always give us dramatic signs or that obedience is always easy. Ananias was afraid, and Saul had to wait three days in darkness. Be honest that following Jesus can involve fear and waiting, while still emphasizing that God is faithful through it all.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank You that You can change even the hardest hearts. Help us listen when You speak, be brave like Ananias, and show kindness to everyone we meet. Thank You that You never stop loving us. Amen.
