​Read all or parts of ACTS 9:1-23 from your Bible or watch the Bible story video.

STORY: 

   Saul was a Pharisee who hated Christians. He thought it was okay that Stephen was stoned. In our story today, Saul was on his way to Damascus to continue arresting Christians. But before he arrived in Damascus, a bright light flashed around Saul, and he heard Jesus’ voice! Jesus asked Saul why he was persecuting Him. We’ve learned that the church is the body of Christ. So for Paul to hurt the church was the same as hurting Jesus.   

   Even though Saul was hurting Jesus and His church, Jesus sought Saul out—like a Shepherd who searches for a lost sheep. Jesus had a plan for Saul’s life. After Jesus appeared to him, Saul couldn’t see. He was blind! The men he was traveling with had to help him as he traveled to Damascus.
 

The Lord had told Ananias, a Christian man in Damascus, to help Saul. When Saul met Ananias, he regained his sight, was baptized, and even spent time with other disciples. Saul began to live differently and began to preach that Jesus is the Son of God and the Messiah. Jesus said that Saul was His chosen instrument to preach the gospel throughout the world. Saul’s story reminds us that anyone who trusts in Jesus can be forgiven of their sins and be right with God. Later in Acts, Saul is referred to by his Roman name, Paul.

DISCUSSION QUESTION #1:   What caused Saul to change?

ANSWER:   Remind kids that Saul did nothing in his own power to change. Discuss how Jesus changed Saul and even though he became physically blind, he truly was able to see and believe who Jesus is. Help kids to remember that we are never too sinful for Jesus to save us. Anyone who trusts in Jesus can be forgiven of their sins and be right with God. 

DISCUSSION QUESTION #2:   How has God changed you? What are ways you can ask God to change you?

ANSWER:  Answers will vary. Encourage kids to remember that we are all sinful and that when we trust in Jesus, He does begin to change us. Challenge kids to think about how they need God’s grace to help them be more like Jesus. Invite kids to learn more about how they can be changed through saving faith in Christ. 

MORNINGS:

Dear Heavenly Father,

   Thank You for sending Your Son to earth so that we can be forgiven of our sins. Change us inside and out just like You did for Paul. Help us tell others about how Jesus saves us from our sins. Amen. 

EVENINGS: 

Dear Heavenly Father,

   Help me to trust and follow you in every moment of my day. Holy Spirit, please help me to obey You at home, in my school, at church, and in my community so that I can be Your servant to those You place around me. In Jesus’ name, amen.