K-GRADE 3 LESSON: Stephen Forgives His Accusers as They Stone Him

Have you ever been in a situation where you had to decide whether or not to be honest?
If you’ve ever faced a decision like that, what happened?
What did you learn about that decision?
Were you able to stand up for God (if you needed to)?
Why do you think God is honored when we stand up for him?
Standing up for God means doing the right thing even when we don’t have to or want to. God is honored when we stand up for him and do the right thing. He’ll help us be strong, and he’ll always be with us. Our God is an awesome God!
After Jesus’ death and resurrection, his followers preached about him with all their heart everywhere they went. One of the believers was a man named Stephen. He was full of faith and the Holy Spirit. He did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people.
Many people didn’t believe Jesus was God’s son. They hated the things Stephen said. They told lies about him, which caused everyone to hate him. They dragged Stephen to court. One last time Stephen challenged them to believe in Jesus. This made them furious, and they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city, and began to stone him.
While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” Then he died.
Stephen was the first Christian martyr. A martyr is a person who is put to death because of his or her beliefs. Stephen was stoned because he preached about Jesus. When he stood up for God, Stephen brought great honor to God. Many people believed in Jesus because of Stephen’s actions.
• Have you ever been afraid to tell someone about Jesus but you did it anyway? What happened?
(my friend listened to me and didn’t laugh; the person asked me to talk about something else.)
• Has anyone ever gotten mad at you for believing in God or for doing what’s right? How did you feel?
(yes, my friend didn’t want to hear that God doesn’t want us to steal, and I thought I might lose my friend, but I didn’t; yes, my friend said I’m stupid.)
Have you felt afraid to speak the truth about God to someone? We all have. But God is honored when we stand up for him. He has given us the Holy Spirit to help us do and say what’s right.
We can learn from a toy called a BALANCING BIRD about taking a stand for God.
We might wobble a bit when someone pushes us, but we won’t fall over because God is with us! The Holy Spirit and Jesus were with Stephen as he stood up for God, even to the point of death. Most of us will never have to face death when we talk about Jesus, but God promises to be with us no matter what the situation. Whether it’s telling people that Jesus loves them or telling a friend not to steal, taking a stand brings honor to God.
Let’s decide today that we’ll honor God by standing up for him. I’d like you to say a one-sentence prayer asking God to help you take a stand for him. You might say something like, “Jesus, please help me invite someone to church,” or “Holy Spirit, help me say no when someone tempts me to do what’s wrong.” Then think of me praying over you and saying, “God is honored when you stand up for him.” I’m very proud of you ♡!
We’ve been learning today that God is honored when we stand up for him. Let’s make something fun to help us make a statement of our faith that tells others about Jesus.
Go get some paper and some markers (or crayons). I want you to make a sign to hang on your front door.
Think of something you want others to know about God or your relationship with him. For example, you might write, “Jesus and Me — Best Friends Forever,” or “Jesus loves you.”
Making signs like that are a fun way to stand up for Jesus. You can actually put your sign on your car window or bedroom window or a mirror at home or your front door, as suggested earlier.
Always be proud to let others know that you’re a Christian. God is honored when you do.
PLEASE SEND ME A PICTURE OF YOUR SIGN!!!
? Lord, thank you for being God. You are worthy of our praise. You are worthy of our standing up for you. Help us when we’re weak, Jesus, to do and say what’s right. Help us to tell others about you and your great love. Help us to make a real difference in our world. We want our lives to count!
In Jesus name,
Amen.