Opening

• What is the kindest thing someone has ever done for you? How did you feel when you were done with that? What kind of thing can you do for someone today?

Bible Story

• Saul was a man who had gone through a lot. Before He believed in Jesus he would go around putting those that believed in the way of Jesus into prison. One day on his way to Damascus with all the authority of the religious leaders, Saul met the Lord. After His encounter with Jesus, He became a different man. He now was sharing the same gospel with others to help them love Jesus.
• How different did your life become when you became a friend of Jesus? When we believe in Jesus our lives change, those around us are able to see the change that Jesus has done in us.
• Unfortunately for Saul when he believed in Jesus, not everyone believed that he had truly changed. Many of the believers and even the apostles were not sure about Saul’s sincerity. They thought he was trying to get inside the group of believers so that he could take them all to prison.
• Barnabas was a different person. His name means son of encouragement. Barnabas instead of keeping away from Saul actually went looking for Him. Barnabas helped him to grow and become like Jesus. Barnabas also brought Saul to the apostles to represent him and let them see that Saul had truly changed. Barnabas showed genuine care and concern, spoke the truth to the apostles and even spurred Paul and others onto good works.
• You and I have the opportunity to spur one another. As we work on having authentic relationships, we are to encourage and help each other to become the very best. What is an area that you can encourage your friend, sibling, parent toward doing good?

Questions

1. Who helped Saul to become a follower of Jesus? Barnabas

2. What does the name Barnabas mean? Son of encouragement

3. How do you think Saul felt being left out from the fellowship with the apostles? ( Receive answers from the children)

4. What would you have done if you were one of the apostles and Saul
   came to you that he wanted to be part of the fellowship? ( Receive answers from the children)

5. In what ways are you able to spur your friends to do good?( Receive answers from the children)