For Kids · 4 min with a grown-up
When the crowds try to treat Paul and Barnabas like gods, the two friends do something surprising.
Today's Story
In a city called Lystra, Paul saw a man who had never been able to walk. Paul could see the man had faith, so he called out, “Stand up on your feet!” And the man jumped up and walked for the very first time!
The crowds were amazed. But they got the wrong idea. “These men must be gods!” they shouted. “Let's worship them!” They even wanted to bring offerings to Paul and Barnabas!
But Paul and Barnabas were upset by this. They rushed into the crowd, crying out, “No, no! Don't worship us! We're just ordinary people, exactly like you! We came to tell you to turn to the one true, living God — the God who made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them!”
Paul and Barnabas knew the healing wasn't their power. It was God's! They never wanted the glory for themselves. They wanted everyone to praise the real God. True servants of God point people to God, never to themselves.
A Big Word
Memory Verse
Talk About It
- The crowd wanted to worship Paul and Barnabas, but they said no. Why didn't they want the glory for themselves?
- Paul said the healing was God's power, not his. Why is it important to give God the credit?
- Paul pointed people to “the living God who made everything.” What are some amazing things God made that make you want to worship Him?