 Raising of Tabitha, Guercino, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons READ: When the gift of the Spirit was given to the followers of Jesus, they did amazing things, just as Jesus had done. They came together to share food and resources, to study scripture together, and to pray. Some people were healed by the disciples. They did amazing things in Jerusalem, in Samaria, and in other towns, too.
In the town of Joppa there was a believer named Tabitha who had also received the gift of the Holy Spirit, she did what Jesus would do, but in her own special way. Tabitha helped the widows and the poor. She made clothes for them. Many people loved her. One day Tabitha got very sick, she was dying. After she died, her friends were sad. The women she had helped took water and cloth and washed her body, and then they placed her upstairs. Other disciples sent for Peter. When he arrived, people whom Tabitha had helped were crying. They told stories about how much she had given to others and showed him the clothes she had made. Peter was moved by this, and he began to pray. He turned to her and said, “Tabitha, get up!” And she opened her eyes. Peter took her hand and helped her up. When everyone saw she was alive, many people believed in Jesus and began to follow the way that was the kingdom of God. (Acts 9:36-42) WONDER: I wonder why Tabitha helped people in need? I wonder how the people were feeling when Tabitha was dying? I wonder how Peter felt when he saw her friends crying? I wonder what it was like to see that God made Tabitha alive again? I wonder what the people will do in their own special way to show their love for God? I wonder what is the most important part of this story? SAY: In this story we see that the Holy Spirit helped people learn to follow Jesus, by doing things which help others. Tabitha followed Jesus by helping those in need. Peter followed Jesus by teaching and healing others. And when people saw Tabitha and Peter following Jesus, many wanted to follow Jesus, too. PRAY: Let’s pray. Dear God, thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Help us learn to help others, just as Jesus did. Amen. EXTEND
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 Conversion on the Way to Damascus, Caravaggio, 1601 Cerasi Chapel, Santa Maria del Popolo, Rome READ: Once a man named Saul was going from Jerusalem to Damascus to find Christians he could bring back to punish. In those days Christians were known as “Followers of the Way.” On the way to Damascus a dazzling light flashed around Saul, blinding his eyes. As he fell to the ground, he heard a voice say, “Saul, why are you trying to hurt me?” Confused and blinded, Saul asked, “Who are you?”
The voice responded, “I’m Jesus, the one you’re trying so hard to hurt. Get up and go into the city. Once you’re there, you’ll be told what to do next.” Saul got up, but still couldn’t see. The people with him took his hand and led him into Damascus. He stayed in a home on Straight Street. He didn’t eat or drink anything. On the third day a man came to him, Ananias, a Follower of the Way in Damascus. God had sent him to meet Saul. Ananias had come, even though he knew Saul intended to hurt people like him. Ananias said, “Brother Saul, you saw the Lord on the road and that same Lord Jesus came to me too, so that you could see again and receive the Holy Spirit.” Saul heard him, and it was like fish scales fell from his eyes. He could see, and he understood what Ananias meant. Saul was baptized by Ananias, he ate a meal, and felt restored. Saul was changed. Like Ananias he became a Follower of the Way. To mark this moment, Saul changed his name to Paul. (Acts 9:1-20) WONDER: I wonder how it felt when the light was flashing on the road to Damascus? I wonder how Saul felt when he couldn’t see? I wonder how Ananias felt when God told him to go find Saul? I wonder how Saul felt when he had a change of heart? I wonder what part of this story you like the best? I wonder what part of this story is the most important? SAY: In this story Saul has a change of heart and becomes one of the first Followers of the Way to know Jesus in this “new way.” He joins the other disciples who have met Jesus since he was raised. And that is how we meet him today, too. PRAY: Let’s pray. Dear God, thank you for loving us just as we are. Help us to be sharers of your love with others. Amen. EXTEND
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Weekly Faith ConversationsUse these guides as conversation starters with your family. A short retelling of the scripture passage is offered or you may want to look the story up in your own bible or in a children's bible. The wondering questions are written to open up faith exploration with children and adults. Archives
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