In this lesson, children learn that Jesus can change even the people who seem least likely to follow Him, and that He can bring new life to people who feel hopeless. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
Jesus can change anyone, even someone who used to be really mean. He loves everyone and He makes things new.
Memory Verse
Acts 9:15
But the Lord said to him, “Go your way, for he is my chosen vessel to bear my name before the nations and kings, and the children of Israel.
(WEB)
Cup both hands together like a bowl, then slowly open them wide, as if you are letting a new gift out into the world. Say the words together as you open your hands, and do it with your children so they remember that God sends people out to share His name.
The Story: Acts 9 for Kids
There was a man named Saul who hated the followers of Jesus. He wanted to find them and put them in jail. Saul got permission from the leaders to travel to the city of Damascus, looking for anyone who followed Jesus.
On the way to Damascus, a bright light flashed from the sky all around Saul. He fell down to the ground. Then he heard a voice asking him, “Saul, why are you hurting me?” Saul asked, “Who are you, Lord?” The voice answered, “I am Jesus, the One you are hurting.” Jesus told Saul to get up and go into the city.
Saul could not see anything after that. His friends had to lead him by the hand into Damascus. For three days he did not eat or drink. He just sat and waited.
God sent a follower of Jesus named Ananias to visit Saul. Ananias was afraid at first because he had heard how bad Saul had been. But Jesus told him to go anyway, because Saul was a chosen tool for God’s good work. Ananias placed his hands on Saul and said, “Jesus sent me so you can see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Right away, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again.
Saul was baptized and began telling everyone that Jesus is the Son of God. People who heard him were amazed, because they remembered how he used to hurt followers of Jesus. The same man who once wanted to hurt them now loved and told others about Jesus.
Read It Together
Acts 9:3-6
3 As he traveled, he got close to Damascus, and suddenly a light from the sky shone around him. 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. 6 But rise up, and enter into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
(WEB)
Point out how Jesus spoke to Saul in the middle of his journey and surprised him with a bright light. Ask children to notice that Jesus cared about Saul even while Saul was working against Him, and that Jesus gave him clear directions to follow.
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)
Show children how Ananias obeyed God and went to a man he feared, calling him “Brother Saul.” Explain that Ananias trusted Jesus to help him, and that Saul could see again right after Ananias prayed for him.
Acts 9:40-41
40 Peter sent them all out, and knelt down and prayed. Turning to the body, he said, “Tabitha, get up!” She opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41 He gave her his hand, and raised her up. Calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive.
(WEB)
Point out how Peter prayed and then spoke to Tabitha, and she was brought back to life. Explain that Jesus has the power to give new life, and that prayer is a way we ask God for help in hard times.
Talk About It
- What do you think Saul felt when he saw the bright light and heard Jesus speak to him?
- Why do you think Ananias was afraid to visit Saul at first, and what helped him go anyway?
- How does it make you feel to know that Jesus can change even someone who once did bad things?
- What is one way you can show kindness to someone who has been unkind to you?
- When you see someone changed by Jesus, how can you tell them what you think about it?
Activity Ideas
Bright Light Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a dark-colored sheet of paper. Ask each child to draw a picture of Saul on the road to Damascus, with a bright light shining from the sky. Let them use yellow and white crayons to make the light stand out against the dark background. As they draw, talk about how Jesus showed up in a surprising way.
Follow the Leader Game
Choose one child to be Ananias and let the rest of the children be Saul, with eyes closed. Ananias walks slowly and gently leads the group, telling them where to step. Then switch roles so each child gets a turn to lead. Talk about how it felt to trust someone who was guiding you, just as Saul trusted his friends.
Scales Off Badge
You will need paper plates, glue, and craft sticks. Cut out eye shapes from the plates and let children decorate them with glitter or stickers. Glue each one to a craft stick so they can hold it up in front of their eyes. Encourage children to take it home and tell their family one thing Jesus has done to change someone’s heart.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows how God can take someone who opposed His people and turn him into a faithful witness. Saul’s conversion is a powerful example of God’s grace, which reaches people we might least expect. It also reminds us that God works through ordinary people like Ananias, who were willing to obey even when it felt risky.
Be careful not to suggest to children that God only changes people in dramatic ways or that becoming a Christian means you will never struggle again. Saul went on to face many hardships for the sake of the gospel, and the lesson is about God’s faithfulness, not guaranteed ease.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank You that You can change anyone and make new things happen in our hearts. Help us to be like Ananias and trust You even when things feel hard. Show us how to be kind to others and tell them about You. Amen.
