INTRODUCTION

Barnabas Encourages Christians in Antioch

Bible Point - Help others love Jesus.

Key Verse - “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” (John 14:26).

Big Picture - Children will learn how to help others love Jesus.

Barnabas Encourages Christians in Antioch

Acts 11:19-26

Your 5 and 6-year-olds are often asked to help out with easy, concrete tasks like cleaning up toys or passing out snacks. Though these opportunities to help may seem small to adults, they’re very meaningful to young children. Helping someone complete a task validates a child’s abilities and boosts self-esteem as the child recognizes that he or she has made a significant contribution. Use this lesson to point kids in a new direction: helping others spiritually. Though spiritual help isn’t always concrete, kids their age can do it—and the impact is eternal. Help kids see that they can help others love Jesus.

PLANTING THE SEED

BIBLE STORY

This week’s Bible passage (Acts 11:19-26) tells us about a man named Barnabas who helped others love Jesus. He traveled to a town called Antioch and encouraged the Christians there to love Jesus with their whole hearts. He made them very happy and helped them grow in their friendship with Jesus. There were also people in Antioch who had never heard about Jesus. Barnabas told them how much Jesus loved them, and many of them believed in Jesus. Barnabas helped people believe in Jesus—we can help each other believe in Jesus, too!

KEY VERSE

The Holy Spirit will teach you (adapted from John 14:26).

BIBLE POINT

Help others love Jesus

PLAY AND PRAY

Help your child be an encourager like Barnabas! Brainstorm with your child and think of an adult family member who would love getting a phone call from your child, such as Grandma, an uncle, or a cousin. Once you’ve decided on someone, coach your child on things he or she can say that will encourage the person, such as “You are very special to me” or “Jesus loves you.” When your child is ready, help dial the number and let the little one brighten the family member’s day.

ASK

• How did it feel to help someone else be happy?

• How can you help other people be happy and believe in Jesus?

FAITHFUL FLAVORS

Buy refrigerated sugar cookie dough and gather a rolling pin, sprinkles, and a cookie sheet. Preheat the oven, and then give your child a major role: Sugar Cookie Helper! Demonstrate rolling dough, shaping cookies, and adding sprinkles. Let your child enjoy doing it by himself or herself. As the cookies bake, affirm your child for being a great helper and remind him or her to help others believe in Jesus. Let the cookies cool, and enjoy!

READY, SET, GROW!

This week, your child learned that we can help others love Jesus. Your child committed to one of the following Daily Challenges to encourage others in their faith. Help your child grow in faith this week and follow through on the challenge!

• PRAY for a friend at school who doesn’t know Jesus.

• GIVE someone in your family a hug, and tell that person that Jesus wants us to love Him.

• DRAW a picture of yourself telling others about Jesus, and then hang it in your room to remind you that we can help others love Jesus!