Jesus appeared to Saul and changed him inside and out. Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. (1 Timothy 1:15) Jesus called Saul, who was once an enemy to Christians, to spend the rest of his life telling people the gospel and leading them to trust in Jesus.

READ TOGETHER

Read all or parts of Acts 9 from the Bible.

FAMILY DEVOTION
Saul had approved of Stephen’s death, and he was on his way to Damascus to continue persecuting the church. It seems that Saul had no plans to trust in Jesus. But Jesus appeared to Saul and everything changed. Who did Jesus say Saul was persecuting? Why? Look at Acts 9:4-5. [Choose a volunteer to read aloud Acts 9:4-5.] Jesus said Saul was persecuting Him! 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 and in His grace, He saved Saul. What happened to Saul after his encounter with Jesus? Look at Acts 9:8-9. [Choose a volunteer to read aloud Acts 9:8-9.] Saul couldn’t see. Even though he had his heart opened to the truth, his physical sight was lost.  

Jesus sent Ananias, a Christian in Damascus, to help Saul see again. Saul was baptized and even spent time with other disciples—people he had originally planned to persecute! Saul demonstrated a life changed by the gospel. What did Saul begin to do that showed he had changed? Look at Acts 9:20-22. [Choose a volunteer to read aloud Acts 9:20-22.] Saul began to preach that Jesus is the Son of God and proving that Jesus is the Messiah. A man who once hated Christians was now proclaiming the gospel he so violently opposed! Saul’s story reminds us that anyone who trusts in Jesus can be forgiven of their sins and be right with God.   

Read Acts 9:23. What did Saul face shortly after preaching the gospel?   

Point out that Saul’s preaching resulted in Jews wanting to kill him. Remind kids that he once persecuted the church and now he was being persecuted. Discuss how Saul continued to preach the gospel, even when it meant he would suffer because he wanted others to know and trust in Jesus. (Choose a volunteer to read Acts 20:23-24.) 

What can we learn from the disciples who welcomed Saul in Damascus?   

Lead kids to discuss how Saul stayed with the Christians in Damascus for some time. Point out that they did not let fear keep them from helping Saul. Remind kids that God’s power in us through His Spirit changes us so that others around us see how we’ve changed. (Choose a volunteer to read Rom. 15:7.) 

After Saul encountered Jesus, he wanted to tell everyone. When have you told someone the good news about Jesus?    

Answers will vary. Encourage kids to remember that everyone needs to hear the gospel so they will have an opportunity to hear and believe in Jesus. Reminds kids that anyone who trusts in Jesus can be forgiven of their sins and be right with God. (Choose a volunteer to read Rom. 1:16.) 

KEY PASSAGE 

Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. John 17:3 

JESUS IS BIGGER AND BETTER 

Jesus appeared to Saul and changed him inside and out. Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. (1 Timothy 1:15) Jesus called Saul, who was once an enemy to Christians, to spend the rest of his life telling people the gospel and leading them to trust in Jesus.  

PRAY TOGETHER 

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