One of the challenges of covering Paul’s missionary journeys is that there is so much content in each. Often, that means taking a higher level view of the journey and covering it in generalities, or only dipping into selected parts. Either way, it is a challenge.
While Paul’s visit to Athens is covered in this week’s session, I wanted to dive a little deeper into this part of his second missionary journey because we see three important aspects of sharing our faith that we need to remember and practice as we teach our kids to do the same.
A Love for People
16 While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was deeply distressed when he saw that the city was full of idols. — Acts 17:16 (CSB)
When we as believers encounter idolatry, and sin in general, something should stir within is. For many, that stirring might be indignation and anger. There is a place for that, but not when it is directed toward those engaging in idolatry or sin. They are not our enemy. Rather, our hearts should be pierced with love for these people who need to hear the gospel and respond in faith in Jesus.
A Proclamation of Jesus
17 So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with those who worshiped God, as well as in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there. — Acts 17:17 (CSB)
Our love for people should then compel us to share Jesus with them. It is not enough to feel that love for people and then go on our way. Or even to feel that love for people and then pray for them—although that is, of course better. Or even to feel that love for people, pray for them, and be kind to them. Again, better, but not enough.
We have been called to proclaim Jesus. People need to hear the gospel so that they might trust in Jesus and be saved from their sins. And God has positioned us to be the ones to proclaim this message of hope.
A Bridge to Understanding
22 Paul stood in the middle of the Areopagus and said, “People of Athens! I see that you are extremely religious in every respect. 23 For as I was passing through and observing the objects of your worship, I even found an altar on which was inscribed, ‘To an Unknown God.’ Therefore, what you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you. 24 The God who made the world and everything in it — he is Lord of heaven and earth — does not live in shrines made by hands. — Acts 17:22-24 (CSB)
We cannot forget this: we preach Jesus for a reason. We preach for understanding. Because of this, we should seek ways to connect the gospel with where the person hearing it is, so that they might be moved to trust in Christ. The gospel message itself does not change. But how we explain the gospel might based on our context.
Here, for example, we see Paul build a bridge through idolatry even. Without approving of idolatry, Paul pulls out one or two elements from it to build a bridge to the gospel. The Athenians wanted to worship and they recognize that there might be gods beyond the ones they recognized. Paul saw the perfect opportunity to introduce them to the one true God who they could worship for eternity.
We build bridges of connection with others not only so that they might help them understand the gospel, but also so that when we do, we might turn monologues into dialogues. We move from talking to the person to talking with that person. We don’t just dump a “canned Jesus presentation” on the person, but we demonstrate respect and love for the person for meeting them where they are.
Not all will respond, of course, as not all did for Paul in Athens. But, in God’s kindness, some might. And that makes the extra effort it takes to build these bridges all worth it.
*Devo from Pastor Brian, from The Gospel Project.
#JesusJams for today!
---> And here's this week's story!!
Christ Connection: Lydia, the jailer, and many others were saved because they heard the gospel and believed in Jesus. Paul and Silas preached the same message to all people, no matter who they were: “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved.”
If you have a bible at your house, you'll be turning to end of Acts 16 clear through chapter 18. If you don't have a Bible, that's okay! CLICK HERE!
OPTION 1: Race with a backpack Stuff two backpacks with a jacket or towel or other lightweight item. Set up two chairs spaced far apart on one end of the room. Form two groups. Invite children to line up single-file in their groups on the opposite end of the room from the chairs. Clear any obstacles. Give the child at the front of each line one of the backpacks. Tell the children that when you say go, they should put on the backpack, walk quickly to the other end of the room, around the chair, and back to the next person in line. Continue until each child in each line has carried the backpack. The group that finishes first is the winner. SAY • Backpacks are used to carry things we need. In our Bible story today, Paul traveled from place to place telling people about Jesus. He probably carried his extra clothes in some kind of bag or rolled up in a blanket. Listen to the story to hear why Paul traveled to different places.
OPTION 2: Build a city Wrap shoe boxes, other small boxes, and cardboard tubes with white or tan paper. Encourage children to use markers or crayons to decorate the boxes and tubes as buildings. Guide children to build a city. Consider offering wooden or plastic blocks for preschoolers to use as well. Use a smart device to show children images of ancient Athens. Be sure to preview and select images before the session. SAY • Paul went to Athens. Athens was a large city. Most people there did not worship the one true God. Instead they worshiped idols made of gold, silver, and stone. Paul told the people about the one true God. When the people heard about Jesus being raised from the dead, some of them laughed; but some people believed. Paul and Silas told many people about Jesus.
OPTION 3: Act it Out Earthquake!
Instruct the kids to stand in a group. Say different natural disasters, and encourage the kids to act out what if might be like if that were happening.
Suggestions:
-Earthquake-- kids will shake themselves around;
-Volcano-- kids will run to one side of the room away from the lava;
-Floor-- kids will pretend to tread water or they might stand on their chair
SAY • Most natural disasters are pretty dangerous. Today we learned about a time an earthquake was actually helpful to Paul and Silas.
UNIT QUESTION:
UNIT VERSE:
THE GOSPEL PRESENTATION: