​Read all or parts of Acts 10 from your Bible or watch the Bible story video.

STORY: 

God wants all people to know Him. God gave Peter a vision to help him understand an important truth. Peter saw a large sheet coming down from heaven, lowered by its four corners and filled with all kinds of animals. God commanded Peter to kill and eat the animals, but Peter refused. Then God told Peter how He has made all animals clean. 

   Peter's vision meant that salvation in Jesus is offered to all people, everywhere--not just to one group of people. Even though Cornelius was not Jewish, Jesus had come to save him too. Jesus is Lord of all—anyone can trust in Jesus and be saved from their sin. This is good news for all people! 

   The Holy Spirit came down on all who heard the gospel and believed in Cornelius’ household. They began speaking in other languages and proclaiming God’s greatness, just like the apostles did when the Holy Spirit first came on them. Then, Cornelius and his household were baptized.

   It doesn’t matter where anyone is from, what language they speak, what they look like, or what their family is like. Jesus came to offer salvation to all people. All people need to hear the good news so they have an opportunity to trust in Jesus and be saved from their sins.

DISCUSSION QUESTION #1: How did today’s story teach us that Jesus loves everyone? 

ANSWER:  Prompt kids to remember that Jesus does not love one group of people more than another because He died for all people. Discuss how Jesus’ death on the cross forgives the sins of anyone who believes in Him. Help kids understand that because Jesus does not show favoritism, we shouldn’t either. 

DISCUSSION QUESTION #2: Do you know people who are different from you? How can you share Jesus with them? 

ANSWER: Discuss how we all know people who are different from us—culturally, different upbringing, etc. Encourage kids to be bold to share Jesus with all people, knowing Jesus is Lord of all and shows no favoritism. (Option: Choose a volunteer to read Rom. 10:13.) 

MORNINGS:

Dear Heavenly Father,

 Lord, thank You for sending Jesus to die in our place for our sin. We praise You for Your love for us, no matter where we’re from or what we look like. Help us have the courage to share the good news with those around us, no matter how different they may be from us. We love You. Amen.

EVENINGS: 

Dear Heavenly Father, 

Thank You for growing Your church and allowing it to spread throughout the world. 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.