INTRODUCTION

BARNABAS ENCOURAGES CHRISTIANS IN ANTIOCH

Bible Point:

Encourage others to trust Jesus’ love.

Key Verse:

“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today”, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness” (Hebrews 3:13).

Big Picture:

Encourage others to strengthen your faith by trusting Jesus’ love for all people.

Barnabas Encourages Christians in Antioch

Acts 11:19-26

Sometimes you might feel super confident, like you can take on anything! And other times, you might feel unsure or worry about what other people think. That’s totally normal. This week, we’re learning that no matter how others treat you, God loves you deeply and is always there to help you stay strong in your faith. And when you feel that love and encouragement from God, you can pass it on by encouraging others, too!

PLANTING THE SEED

Stephen had been stoned to death because of his faith in Jesus. So many of the early Christians scattered to avoid the same fate. Some went here, some went there, but they all had news to share about Jesus. The problem was in who they told.

Some of the scattered Christians only wanted to tell other Jews about Jesus. They didn’t think they should tell the non-Jews. But things were different back in Antioch. In fact, things were so different that the church back in Jerusalem heard about it. They sent a Christian named Barnabas to Antioch to check things out.

When Barnabas got to Antioch, he was overjoyed by what he saw! He was so glad to see the Christians there sharing their faith with everyone they could! He encouraged them to keep it up, then he went looking for his buddy Saul. When he found Saul in another town, he brought him back to Antioch. Together, they stayed there a whole year, teaching people about Jesus and encouraging the other Christians. (Hey, did you know this? The name “Barnabas” actually means “Son of Encouragement.” Check out Acts 4:36!)

Discussion Questions:

• Why does partnering with people help us make a greater impact?

• Who do you know that needs encouragement? How can you be an encourager like Barnabas to that person?

FAMILY FUN

With your family, commit to hiding words of encouragement for each family member once this week. You might tuck a note in your dad’s briefcase, hang an encouraging picture on your sister’s bedroom door, or even leave a sign for your mom in the refrigerator! At the end of the week, discuss as a family how being encouraged affected your feelings and attitudes.

READY, SET, GROW!

Choose one of these action steps to encourage each other to believe in Jesus this week:

• OFFER to pray for someone who’s going through a hard time. (Then pray!)

• WRITE your favorite Bible verse on an index card, and give the card to someone this week.

• SHARE Jesus’ love with one person this week. Practice what you’ll do or say before you actually do it.