Peter and John Heal a Lame Man – Acts 3

This Sunday continued in our series on the book of Acts and, to be honest, one that I have looked forward to the most.  Any Donut Man fans out there?  If you are, then you probably remember his song “Walking and Leaping” that is based on this passage.  I could hardly wait to teach it to the kids and – to my surprise – there were even a few that already knew the song!

Goal:  Today we will learn about Peter and John healing the lame man by the Beautiful Gate.

Key Scripture:  “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”  – Acts 1:8, NIV

Here’s What You’ll Need:

• Masking tape
• Boxes
• Bible times costume
• Crutches
• Cup
• Coins
• Mat
• Poster with lyrics to “Walking and Leaping”
• Paper plates
• Bible
• Crayons
• Ribbon
• Filling (plastic beads, dried beans, etc.)
• Several copies of the 7S – Peter and John Puzzle
• Pencils

Introduction:  Set up hopscotch in the hallway (using masking tape) leading up to the classroom.  As the children approach the room, have them hop through the course.  Before they enter, remind the children that we should be thankful for our legs.

Lesson: Ahead of time, use a variety of boxes (or other creative supplies!) to create a gate (The Beautiful Gate).  Check out last week’s post to see how I made ours.

Dressed in the Bible times costume, have props (crutches, cup, coins, mat) located with your Bible near the Beautiful Gate.  Tell the story from the perspective of the lame man.  I used Kelly Henderson’s monologue that she made available on Ministry-t0-Children.

Afterward, teach the children the Donut Man song “Walking and Leaping.”  Have a poster with the lyrics available.

I had the kids walk and leap around the room during the chorus, which they loved 🙂

Conclusion:  Have the following activities prepared in case extra time remains.

Celebration Shaker:  Color the back of the paper plate with designs and colors that express joy and celebration. Fold in half. Cut 4-6 strands of different colors of curling ribbon, each strand at least two feet in length. Knot the ribbon strands together at one end. Staple the knot to the inside of the paper plate at one of the corner folds. Staple the plate two-thirds shut, making sure the staples are side by side along the edge of the plate (this will keep the filling from falling out). Put two small handfuls of filling into the paper plate. Finish stapling shut.

You’ll go from this:

 

To something like this:

Peter & John Bible Puzzle: Have the Peter and John Puzzle photocopied ahead of time.

Walking and Leaping Reenactment:  Allow small groups of children to sing the song “Walking and Leaping” while reenacting the story by the Beautiful Gate.  Allow the children to use the props too.

One little girl used her celebration shaker during worship in the second service!  What a beautiful connection.

Have you seen our other adventures through the book of Acts?  Check it out!

• A Miraculous Catch (John 21:1-25)
• Jesus Ascends to Heaven (Acts 1:1-11)
• The Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-13)
• The Holy Spirit Can Live in Your Heart (Acts 2:1-13)
• There’s a System in Place (Acts 2:14-21)
• Go, Team Fillmore! (Acts 2:42-47)

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