Teaching Time

Have the children sit in chairs or on the floor.

Encourage children to participate as much as possible as you tell the Bible story from the bullets. Emphasize the words in bold text. The words correspond to an action or word for the children to imitate. Vary your facial expression, voice, and volume level to hold children’s attention and interest.

· A long time ago, there was a man named Saul from the city of Tarsus.

● Saul was a Pharisee. The Pharisees read the Jewish Law and knew all that was written in it. Hold an imaginary scroll up then move head back and forth, line by line to read.

● The Pharisees thought the rules of the Jewish Law were more important than people.

● So, the Pharisees were mad instead of being glad when Jesus healed a man on a holy day. Shake head and move index finger back and forth for no.

● Saul knew something had to be done about Jesus because so many people loved

Jesus and believed what He taught. Clench hands into fists and look angry.

● Saul went to the high priest. Walk in place. Children stand and walk in place.

● He asked the high priest for a letter to take to the Jewish leaders in the city of Damascus. Hold out your hand.

● The high priest agreed to give Saul the letter to take on his trip to Damascus. Nod head yes. Stretch arm out and point, “go”.

● The letter gave Saul permission to search for Christians and to arrest them. Put a hand above eyes and move head side to side to search.

● Saul and his men began their journey to Damascus.

● Since it was such a long trip, Saul and his men probably rode horses. Say “Giddy up” and pretend to trot or canter in place.

● As Saul and his men got closer to Damascus. A bright light appeared in the sky. It was so bright that Saul and the men stopped and covered their eyes. Stop trotting and cover eyes.

● Saul fell to the ground. Slowly lower to the ground.

● Then the men heard a loud voice but didn’t see anyone! Slowly in a bold voice have children repeat after you. “Saul…, Saul…, why are you… hurting Me?”

● Who do you think was talking to Saul? Jesus.

● It was Jesus. He was talking to Saul from heaven!

● Saul answered, “Who are You, Lord?”

● Jesus then answered Saul (in a deep voice) “I am Jesus, the one you are hurting. Now, get up and go into the city and you will be told what you must do.”

● The men with Saul stood and could not say a word. They heard the voice but saw no one. Put a hand above eyes and move head side to side to search.

● Saul stood up but when he opened his eyes, he was blind! Children stand up and put a hand over their eyes.

● The men with Saul took him by the hand and led him to a house in Damascus. Children walk in place with one hand outstretched in front of them.

● Saul stayed in the house for three days and did not eat or drink while he prayed to God and waited for instructions. Children sit on floor and individually put hands together in prayer.

● While Saul waited, God spoke to a Christian man named Ananias. He told Ananias to go to Saul and to pray for him so Saul could see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.

● Ananias was surprised at what God asked him to do! Saul could arrest Ananias! Open mouth and place hands on cheeks in surprise.

● Do you think Ananias was too afraid to go see Saul, or did he trust and obey God? Ananias trusted God and went to Saul.

● Yes, Ananias trusted God! He went to Saul, laid his hands on him and prayed for him so he could see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit. Hold arms out in front and look up.

● When Ananias prayed, Saul’s eyes were opened. He stood up and could see again! Stand up and jump with hands in air and look around,

● Saul was then baptized in water, and he ate food to be strong again.

God healed Saul’s eyes and changed his heart in an instant! Saul was no longer filled with too much pride. He was now filled with love for Jesus and served Him for the rest of his life. Saul traveled everywhere telling others about how Jesus died to save them from their sins.

Optional Review Questions

Why did Saul want to go to Damascus? To find Christians and arrest them.

Who spoke to Ananias and told him to pray for Saul? God.

What happened to Saul after Ananias prayed for him? He could see again, He was filled with the Holy Spirit.