​Read all or parts of Acts 21:7-27; Acts 22:1-29 from your Bible, or watch the Bible story video.

STORY: 

     Paul loved Jesus. Paul could have listened to those who told him not to go to Jerusalem, but he was determined to follow God’s plan, even when it meant he would face troubles. Just like Paul, we show our love for Jesus when we commit to obey no matter what difficulties lay before us. The Holy Spirit would give Paul the strength to face the dangers ahead.

     When Paul first arrived in Jerusalem, the people welcomed him and even praised God for how Paul had brought the gospel to the Gentiles. However, when Paul went to the temple, a Jewish crowd grabbed Paul and wanted to kill him. But when Paul said that he was a Roman citizen, the soldiers took Paul to safety. His citizenship as a Roman meant that Roman officials had to keep Paul safe even when others wanted him dead.

     Paul and Silas ended up in jail when, through Jesus’ power, they healed the servant girl of an evil spirit. But Paul and Silas didn’t stop preaching the gospel, and even in jail, God showed His power to save when the jailer trusted in Jesus. Everyone can be saved like the jailer. All we must do is believe in the Lord Jesus and we will be saved.

     God had a plan for Paul’s life that even included having Paul be born as a Roman citizen. God was faithful to help Paul and protect him so that Paul could eventually go to Rome. Like Paul, we can trust God and follow Him. Because of Jesus we do not need to fear difficult times since He has made the way for us to live with God forever. 

DISCUSSION QUESTION #1:  Is following Jesus always easy? Why not?

ANSWER:   Discuss how God never promised following Jesus would be easy. Tell kids that Jesus even said the world will hate those who love Him. Remind kids of all the hardships Jesus endured to save us from sin. Encourage kids to remember that following Jesus is always worth any hardship because we have a greater joy in knowing Him. Discuss how a difficulty on earth is so small compared to the joy we’ll have with Jesus forever.

DISCUSSION QUESTION #2:   How does God help us when we face difficult times? 

ANSWER:    Tell kids that, like Paul, God promises to be with us and give us help. Discuss how He has given us the Holy Spirit who gives us strength, comforts us, and reminds us of God’s promises. Discuss how, like Paul, God also gives us other believers who encourage us and pray for us. Invite kids to share how God has helped them through a difficult time. Then praise Him for His goodness! 

MORNINGS:

Dear Heavenly Father,

    Thank You for loving Your people. Help me to praise You and exalt You, even when times are hard, and to make Jesus known wherever I go. In Jesus' name, amen.

EVENINGS: 

Dear Heavenly Father, 

  Thank You for Your faithfulness. Thank You that we can trust You to care for us, even during hard times. Help us follow Your plans for our lives. In Jesus’ name, amen.