Jesus wants us to encourage each other s faith.

Barnabas Encourages Christians in Antioch Barnabas Encourages Christians in Antioch Lesson 13 Bible Point Jesus wants us to encourage each other s faith. Bible Verse Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works (Hebrews 10:24). Growing Closer to Jesus Students will n discover the effects of encouragement, n reenact the story of Barnabas at Antioch, and n practice ways to help others grow in their relationships with God. Teacher Enrichment Bible Basis n Barnabas encourages Christians in Antioch. Acts 11:22-30 It s important to know that the events of today s passage take place after Stephen was stoned (see Acts 7:54-60) for his bold Christian witness while Saul looked on in approval. After Stephen was killed, the persecution of Christians intensified and spread. However, persecution didn t stop the growth of the church in fact, it helped the message of Jesus spread (see Acts 8:1-8). As the persecution continued, God met Saul on the road to Damascus, and Saul became a follower of Jesus (see Acts 9). We know him better by the name Paul the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew name Saul. Paul began preaching about Jesus, but many were suspicious that he might just be putting on an act. However, Barnabas brought him before the leaders of the church in Jerusalem and vouched for him. This is the first mention of Barnabas in the Bible, but Barnabas played a key role in furthering God s work through Paul. In today s passage, we see Barnabas again encouraging the growth of God s church. When the church at Jerusalem grew concerned that people other than Jews were becoming Christians in Antioch, they sent Barnabas to check it out. Barnabas saw firsthand that many non-jews were becoming Christians, and he immediately thought of Paul and brought him to join in the ministry there. This passage also reports that Jesus followers were first called Christians in Antioch. That title really means like Christ. Barnabas was definitely being like Christ in his encouragement of others in their faith! Other Scriptures used in this lesson are Philippians 1:9-11; Hebrews 3:12-14; and 10:25. Prayer Read Hebrews 10:24-25. How much does encouragement mean to your students? to you? Pray: Dear Lord, help me today to be an encouragement to 141

Lesson 13 Before the Lesson n Collect the necessary items for the activities you plan to use, referring to the Classroom Supplies and Learning Lab Supplies listed on the chart. n Make photocopies of the Hands-On Fun at Home handout (at the end of this lesson) to send home with your students. n Pray for your students and for God s direction as you teach the lesson. This Lesson at a Glance Attention Grabber What Students Will Do Classroom Supplies Learning Lab Supplies Sure Shot Encourage one another during a toss game. Masking tape Bible Exploration & Application Closing Hello, Antioch! Act out Barnabas experiences from Acts 11:22-30 to see how his encouragement helped Christians grow. Making Friends Create new friends, find ways to help those friends grow in Jesus, and read Hebrews 3:12-14; 10:24-25 to see why growing in Jesus is so important. Artistic Encouragement Create music and drama to help them remember to encourage each other s faith. Growing Closer Use encouragement to help friends reach a goal, and read Philippians 1:9-11 to learn how Paul helped the Philippians grow closer to God. I Choose You Read Hebrews 10:24, and encourage each other to grow in faith. Bible, newsprint, tape, marker, Hello, Antioch! (p. 150) Bibles, drawing paper, pencils, colored markers or colored pencils, tape Face-paint brushes Bibles, masking tape (from Sure Shot activity) Bibles 142

Barnabas Encourages Christians in Antioch n Module Review Use the casual interaction time at the beginning of class to ask kids the following module-review questions: When did you feel God s love this week? What were ways you confessed your sins to God and asked for forgiveness this week? How did you show God s love to another person this week? Did you try to love anyone who seemed hard to love at the time? How did you feel the power of the Holy Spirit helping you make good choices in your life? What is your favorite thing you ve learned in the past few weeks? Why? How is your life different because of what we ve learned in class about becoming part of God s family? Welcome As kids arrive, ask them about ways they put last week s lesson into action. Ask questions such as How did the Holy Spirit help you do what was right this past week? and How did it feel to put your trust in the Holy Spirit? Tell the kids that whenever you sound the hand groan tube, they are to stop talking, raise their hands, and focus on you. Explain that it s important to respond to this signal quickly so the class can do as many fun activities as possible. Attention Grabber n Sure Shot SUPPLIES: masking tape Before class, place a 6-foot line of masking tape on the floor. Leave space behind the line for students to stand. Place a chair about 12 feet away and facing the line. Place the basket on the chair. Give each student a critter popper. Have kids form a line behind the tape. Ask your students to take turns and, one at a time, try to toss their critter poppers into the basket. At this distance, very few, if any, of your kids will score a basket. But make sure to lead the rest of the class in applauding each effort. After everyone has had a turn, set aside the critter poppers and basket, and gather kids in a circle. Keep the masking tape line in place for later in the lesson. Ask: What was the hardest part of this game? (The basket was too far away; the basket is such a small target.) No one [or few of you] succeeded. Do you feel terrible about missing? Why or why not? (No, because it s just a game; no, because people cheered me on anyway; yes, because I never win at stuff like this.) It s important to say the Bible Point just as it s written in each activity. Repeating the Bible Point again and again will help kids remember it and apply it to their lives. If you have more than 20 students, let kids take turns using the critter poppers. 143

Lesson 13 What was it like when others encouraged you, even when you missed? (I felt good about trying my best even though I didn t make a basket; it was encouraging to hear people cheering for me; it made the game more fun.) Tell about a time you encouraged someone. (Last week in gym class; at our soccer game; at Little League practice.) Say: Jesus wants us to encourage each other s faith. Encouraging each other s faith is a lot like encouraging people in other ways. Today we re going to learn about a man who encouraged many people to grow in their Christian faith. Let s find out more. Bible Insight The new name Barnabas, given by the apostles to this man of encouragement, completely superseded the old name, Joseph. Barnabas showed his generous spirit by selling a field for the benefit of the poor, and he proved his encouraging nature by befriending and sponsoring Saul, whom the early Christians still looked on with some suspicion. Bible Exploration & Application n Hello, Antioch! SUPPLIES: Bible, newsprint, tape, marker, Hello, Antioch! handout (p. 150) Before class, use a marker to write each of the following words on a separate sheet of newsprint: Jerusalem, Antioch, and Tarsus. Hang each sheet in a different area of your room. Make enough photocopies of the Hello, Antioch! handout for everyone in your class. Open your Bible to Acts 11:22-30, and show kids the passage. Distribute the handouts. Say: Instead of just reading the story from Acts 11:22-30, let s all become a part of this adventure! I ll read the handout aloud while you follow the instructions. The main character in our story is a man named Barnabas. I need a volunteer to be our Barnabas. Choose an outgoing volunteer, and give him or her the bendable noodle. We ll also need someone to be Saul. Choose another outgoing volunteer, and have him or her wear the glitter tie. The rest of you will be the Christian believers in Antioch. Give each of the Christians a critter popper. First, let me set the stage for you. The Christians in Jerusalem had been treated badly because of their belief in Jesus. To escape persecution, they scattered to many different towns. But that didn t stop them from telling others about Jesus. They were so excited about Jesus that they just couldn t be silent! Our story starts in Antioch, a town many Christian believers had fled to. To begin, everyone except Barnabas and Saul needs to go to Antioch. Barnabas begins in Jerusalem, and Saul begins in Tarsus. When kids are waiting in their appropriate cities, read the handout aloud. You may need to prompt kids to do the actions indicated in the script. When you finish reading, collect the bendable noodle, critter poppers, and glitter tie. Have kids form a circle, and ask: Barnabas name means encourager. How did he live up to his name in Antioch? (Barnabas encouraged the Christians and taught them about Jesus; Barnabas encouraged Saul.) How did his encouragement help the Christians? (Many of the Christians in Antioch were new Christians, so Barnabas taught them what they needed to know; more people became Christians when Barnabas was there.) 144

How did the Christians pass along the encouragement they received from Barnabas? (When they heard about the famine in Jerusalem, they gave money to help the Christians there buy food; they helped each other.) What might have happened if Barnabas hadn t gone to Antioch? (The new Christians might have become discouraged; they wouldn t have heard about the Christians in Jerusalem, so they wouldn t have been able to help them.) What can you learn from Barnabas example? (Jesus wants us to encourage others; encouraging others is contagious; when we encourage others, they pass it on and encourage more people.) Say: Jesus wants us to encourage each other s faith. Barnabas gave us a great example of how we can do that. Before we go on to the next activity, let s have each member of the circle name one person who has encouraged him or her to grow in the Christian faith. Share a name. Then, starting with the student on your left, have each person name someone. Say: Now let s discover how we can help encourage others to grow in their faith. Barnabas Encourages Christians in Antioch n Making Friends SUPPLIES: Bibles, drawing paper, pencils, colored markers or colored pencils, tape Help students form pairs. Give each pair a sheet of drawing paper, a pencil, and a few colored markers or colored pencils. Say: It s Instant-Art time! One partner should turn sideways and pose while the other partner uses the pencil to draw an outline of the profile of the first partner s head. Then you can take turns adding hair and other features. When they ve finished, ask students to wait for further instructions. Say: You ve just created new students in our class. Decide on good names for your new friends, and write the names on your papers. Then think of all the ways your pair could help your new person grow close to Jesus. Maybe you ll make him feel comfortable at Sunday school or show her some neat verses in the Bible. You might find ways to show Jesus love or to encourage that person when he or she succeeds in showing Jesus love to someone else. Be creative in your answers there are lots of ways! Write those ways on your paper, using a variety of colors. As pairs work, circulate among them and offer suggestions, but be sure to give kids the opportunity to think of many ideas on their own. When pairs finish, give them a few pieces of tape so they can tape their profiles to the wall. Then have pairs discuss these questions: How do you think a real person would feel if you treated him or her this way? (Good; special; encouraged.) How would your actions encourage that person to grow nearer to Jesus? (They would help that person know how to grow closer to Jesus; they would be good reminders.) Have pairs share their responses with the rest of the class. Say: You found some great ways to encourage others to grow in their friendship with Jesus. The Bible says that it s really important to encourage each other to grow in our faith. Let s have the boys read Hebrews 10:24-25 aloud together and then have the girls read Hebrews 3:12-14. As we read 145

Lesson 13 these passages, see if you can discover why encouraging other Christians is so important. Distribute Bibles, and have kids look up the appropriate verses and read them aloud. Then ask: Why is it so important that we encourage each other? (Because it s so easy to be tricked by sin; because if we stay faithful we will go to heaven and be with Jesus, but if we don t remain faithful we have so much to lose.) What would happen if we never encouraged others to grow in their faith? (Others might be tricked back into a sinful life and forget all about God; they might feel like their faith isn t important; they might feel that God doesn t love them.) Say: Look at your paper friend. Choose one of the ways that you ve written there to encourage someone s faith in Jesus this week. Share what you chose with your drawing partner. When you both have shared, pray together that God will help you both to encourage others to grow closer to Jesus. When pairs have shared and prayed, say: Jesus wants us to encourage each other s faith. You found some neat ways to do that, so let s explore what happens when we encourage others faith. n Artistic Encouragement SUPPLIES: face paint brushes Before class, set the bongo stick in one corner of your room, the face paint in another corner of your room, and the maracas in another corner. Gather kids away from the items you set out, and say: When we grow closer to Jesus, we begin to make some good changes in our lives. We become more like Jesus. We re going to create some music and skits to help us remember that Jesus wants us to encourage each other s faith. When we encourage others, we re helping them grow closer to Jesus. Ask: Why is it important to grow closer to Jesus? (Because Jesus loves us; because believing in Jesus is how we receive eternal life.) Say: When we start growing closer to Jesus, he helps us change our attitudes and our hearts to be more like him. Ask: Who are some people in your life who need to be encouraged in their faith? (My parents; our pastor; my Christian friends at school.) Why should we encourage others to grow closer to Jesus? (They need to have a relationship with Jesus; they can be more like Jesus.) 146

Barnabas Encourages Christians in Antioch What happens when others grow closer to Jesus? (They change to be more like him; they tell others about Jesus and encourage others to grow, too.) Explain that kids will have five minutes to use an object to create a skit or song about why it s important to encourage others in faith. Tell them that they can use classroom supplies and only the one object at the stations they choose to create their music and drama. Help kids choose their stations, making sure at least two students are at each station. Allow five minutes for kids to work, and then gather the groups for their presentations. Have each group present its song or drama, and encourage the audience to applaud all efforts. After everyone has presented, ask: Who will you encourage this week? (I ll encourage my Christian friends at school; I ll encourage my mom, because she has to raise us kids by herself.) What are some other ways you can encourage others to grow closer to Jesus? (I can invite my friend to church; I can help my mom around the house so she has time to study her Bible.) Say: Jesus loves everyone and wants us all to have a close friendship with him. We can help others know Jesus better by encouraging them. Jesus wants us to encourage each other s faith. Don t forget to encourage others this week. Whenever you can, say something encouraging to someone else. Encouragement always helps others grow closer to, and more like, Jesus. Let s explore more. n Growing Closer SUPPLIES: Bibles, masking tape line from Sure Shot activity Have kids form pairs, and have pairs stand in line behind the masking tape from the opening activity. Place the basket on the chair again. Tell kids they ll be playing the same game they played before with one important change. Give the first person in line 10 critter poppers, and have his or her partner stand next to the chair, holding the basket. Say: We didn t do so well at hitting this tiny target earlier. This time you ll have help. One partner will toss the critter poppers, and the other partner will try to catch them in the basket. If the Tosser should happen to miss with the first shot, his or her partner can take two steps forward, and the Tosser can try again. If the Tosser misses that time, the partner can take another two steps forward, and so on. Instruct the rest of the kids to encourage each pair. When every pair has had a turn, collect the critter poppers and basket, and ask: How did having someone help you make this activity easier? (The basket moved closer so it was easier to make a basket; I didn t have to do it all alone.) How is that like having someone help you grow in your faith? (It s easier if I don t have to do it all alone; it s not as hard if I have someone to remind and encourage me.) 147

Lesson 13 Encourage kids to bring their Bibles to class with them next week. Bringing their own Bibles will help kids become familiar with using and turning to the Bible. How can encouraging words from others bring us closer to God? (They can keep me focused on God instead of on myself or my problems; they can remind me to pray; they can help me be thankful instead of being crabby or complaining all the time.) What are some good times to offer encouragement to others? (When they re feeling sad about something; when they re upset or angry; when they re confused or frustrated; anytime.) When has someone helped you grow closer to God? (After my grandma died; when my parents got divorced; when my dog got run over.) Say: We can use all the encouragement we can get as we grow in our friendship with God. The Bible includes a letter Paul wrote to the Christians in Philippi to encourage them. With your partner, read Philippians 1:9-11 to see how Paul wanted the Christians to grow. Distribute Bibles, and have pairs read Philippians 1:9-11 together. Then ask: If you were a Christian in Philippi, how would Paul s words make you feel? (Good; encouraged.) How can Paul s words help you today? (They can encourage me; they can remind me about what s really important; they can remind me to focus on God.) How can you use Paul s example to help others grow closer to God? (I can encourage others in their faith; I can notice and tell people when they re doing a great job and encourage them to keep it up.) Say: Jesus wants us to encourage each other s faith. There are so many ways we can do that! Paul has given us a good example right here. Read Philippians 1:9-11 to your partner, and then have your partner read the verses to you. When you finish, give each other a high five, a handshake, or a hug of encouragement. When partners have given each other high fives, handshakes, or hugs, say: Now let s practice encouraging each other. To be able to reuse the Tube-aloon, tie one end and use a rubber band to close the other end. Then, when you ve finished using the Tube-a-loon, simply remove the rubber band to deflate it. Carefully fold up the flattened Tube-a-loon for later use. Closing n I Choose You SUPPLIES: Bibles Before this activity, inflate and tie off the end of the Tube-a-loon. Ask kids to form a circle. Join them in the circle, and distribute Bibles. Have kids turn to Hebrews 10:24, and ask for a volunteer to read the verse aloud while the rest of the class follows along in their Bibles: Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. Then say: Let s practice exactly what this verse says. Set your Bibles aside, and think of ways to encourage one another s faith. I ll gently tap one of you on the shoulder with this Tube-a-loon and say something to encourage your faith. When you re tapped, take the Tube-a-loon, gently tap someone else in the circle, and say something encouraging. You can say an affirmation, a blessing, or a prayer for the person, if you want. But don t touch anyone with the Tube-a-loon a second time until everyone has been encouraged once. Ready? 148

Begin by tapping and encouraging someone in the circle. After everyone has had a turn, close with a prayer similar to this one: Dear God, please help each person here today encourage someone s faith this week. Thank you for giving us Jesus. In his name, amen. Return the Tube-a-loon to the Learning Lab. Barnabas Encourages Christians in Antioch HANDS-ON BIBLE You ll need measuring spoons, cornstarch, water, a bowl, and a spoon. Make sure children have their Hands-On Bibles. Say: Turn in your Hands-On Bible to the Don t Worry, Be Happy activity found near Philippians 4. Have kids follow the instructions in the activity. They ll be making goo to see what it s like to turn their worries over to God. Encourage kids to tell others about the activity and to read Philippians 4:6-7 to them. Explain that by sharing the Bible passage, they ll be encouraging others to put their trust in God. Growing closer to Jesus extends beyond the classroom. Photocopy the Hands-On Fun at Home handout (at the end of this lesson) for this week, and send it home with your kids. Encourage kids and parents to use the handout to spark meaningful discussion on this week s topic. 149

Hello, Antioch! Some of the believers who went to Antioch from Cyprus and Cyrene began preaching to Gentiles about the Lord Jesus. (Talk excitedly to each other.) The power of the Lord was upon them, and large numbers of these Gentiles believed and turned to the Lord. When the church at Jerusalem heard what had happened, they sent Barnabas to Antioch. (Barnabas, walk to Antioch. ) When he arrived and saw this proof of God s favor, he was filled with joy, and he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord. (Smile and clap.) Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. (Kneel as if to pray, and then stand up.) And large numbers of people were brought to the Lord. (Barnabas, help the Christians hold on to the bendable noodle and point upward.) Then Barnabas went on to Tarsus to find Saul. (Barnabas, go to Tarsus, place your hands above your eyes, and search for Saul.) When he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. (Barnabas, lead Saul to Antioch. ) Both of them stayed there with the church for a full year, teaching great numbers of people. (Everyone, form a circle and sit together.) It was there at Antioch that the believers were first called Christians. During this time, some prophets traveled from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them named Agabus stood up in one of the meetings to predict by the Spirit that a great famine was coming upon the entire Roman world. (This was fulfilled during the reign of Claudius.) (Everyone, hold your stomach.) So the believers in Antioch decided to send relief to the brothers and sisters in Judea, everyone giving as much as they could. (One of the believers collect critter poppers from the others.) This they did, entrusting their gifts to Barnabas and Saul to take to the elders of the church in Jerusalem. (Barnabas and Saul, walk to Jerusalem. ) 150 Permission to photocopy this handout from Group s Hands-On Bible Curriculum Grades 3 & 4 granted for local church use. Copyright Group Publishing, Inc., 1515 Cascade Avenue, Loveland, CO 80538. group.com

LESSON 13 Jesus wants us to encourage each other s faith. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works (Hebrews 10:24). There s nothing like an encouraging word to brighten someone s day and improve someone s mood. How do the people in your family usually talk to each other? Do you typically encourage each other or bring each other down? Sometimes the people we love the most are the ones we treat the worst. What can your family do to use more encouraging words with each other? Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. How do these words about Jesus return encourage believers? How do they encourage you? Read 2 Thessalonians 3:16. How do you think God himself encourages us? Read Hebrews 10:25. Buy some yeast dough from the frozenfood section in a supermarket. Follow the instructions on the package for making rolls. When your yeast rolls are done, share them with a friend. Talk about how a little yeast made the dough rise, just as a little encouragement can help a person rise to great heights. How does meeting together help us to be encouraged or to encourage each other? ETC. ETC. ETC. Fill a glass half full of any flavor of soda. Add one teaspoon of salt, and watch the reaction! Talk about how the salt is like encouragement and what a difference encouragement can make in our lives. Become a Barnabas Buddy this week. Think of someone who needs encouragement, and set out to give it! Leave secret notes, small gifts, or verses where the person will find them. Through your actions, remind the person that Jesus loves him or her very much. Next week, choose a new person who needs a Barnabas Buddy. Permission to photocopy this handout from Group s Hands-On Bible Curriculum Grades 3 & 4 granted for local church use. Copyright Group Publishing, Inc., 1515 Cascade Avenue, Loveland, CO 80538. group.com 151