CHILDREN STS LESSON 23 HEALING OF THE LAME MAN
Text: Acts 3:1-26
“Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour” (Acts 3:1). This passage shows the lifestyle of the early friends of Jesus. They took prayer very seriously. Many children are not benefiting much from the word of God because they are not serious with prayer.
God will only do great wonders in your life and use you to do great things when you give yourself to regular and effective prayers. The healing of the lame beggar at the beautiful gate was the first miracle performed by the disciples after receiving the baptism in the Holy Ghost. The disciples did not receive the power for decoration. They realised that it is when they go out in the name of Jesus that the power will be activated to do wonders in their ministry.
They went to the temple at the hour of prayer. Children of God must not forsake the assembly of believers. Be regular at prayer meetings, worship service and other church programmes.
- THE HOUR OF PRAYER:
Acts 3:1-3; 2:42; Psalm 55:17; Daniel 6:10
The text opens with Peter and John going to the temple to pray at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. This shows that the disciples had a regular time of prayer that they must not miss. They counted prayer as a very important assignment.
They had learnt the lesson on the need to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Before the day of Pentecost, the one hundred and twenty friends of Jesus gathered at the upper room. They did not have any other thing that engaged their attention than prayer. They prayed through till they received the baptism of the Holy Ghost. After the day of Pentecost, they continued in prayer daily with one accord in the temple (Acts 2:42-46). Through the act of consistent prayer, the early Church grew numerically and spiritually. They were also able to preach the gospel with results and signs following them.
Prayer is the most important means of receiving all that we need from God. The greatest need of your life which is the salvation of your soul can only be received through the prayer of repentance. To receive healing for sickness, you need to pray in faith. In order to have wisdom to succeed, prayer is very much needed; for strength, provision, prosperity, victory over temptation and other needs, prayer is the key.
Apostles Peter and John realised the importance of prayer and faith in God’s word. Through their word of command, the lame man received strength in his bones and rose up to walk. God has given us great and wonderful promises for all-round blessings. Through regular prayers, you will be able to receive and do what Peter and John did.
- HEALING OF THE LAME MAN:
Acts 3:1-10; 5:12-16
“Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have given I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk” (Acts 3:6). As Peter and John were about to enter the temple for prayer, a man who was born lame asked them for alms. He never thought that he would ever walk in his lifetime. Though the man was always sitting at the beautiful gate, his life was not a beautiful one to behold.
In response to the demand of the lame man, Peter made a powerful declaration in Acts 3:6. Then the power of God touched the lame man. He stood up and started walking, leaping and praising God. The healing of the lame man was done by the power of Christ working through His apostles. Jesus said to His followers concerning those who would believe in Him, “In my name … they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover” (Mark 16:17,18). The miracle was accomplished through faith in the name of Jesus. Today, many sick people are still experiencing divine healing through the name of Jesus.
Whatever may be the sickness or affliction, pray in the name of Jesus and you will be healed. As a friend of Jesus, you can also be an agent to bring healing to the sick in your family, school and community. All you need is grace to trust and pray in the name of Jesus.
- HOPE OF SALVATION THROUGH THE GOSPEL MESSAGE:
Acts 3:11-26; 2:14-37; Deuteronomy 18:18,19; 2 Timothy 4:1,2
As a result of the miraculous healing of the lame man; Peter seized the opportunity to declare the gospel of salvation just as he did on the day of Pentecost. In his message, Peter pointed out the fact that it was not by his power that the lame man was healed. It was the work of God through faith in the name of Jesus.
Apostle Peter made his listeners to understand that Jesus, whom they crucified, is alive today. He is the Saviour of the world and solution to all the problems of man. In his message, Peter made Christ known to the sinners, invited them to repent and be converted so that their sins could be blotted out. There are important lessons for saints and sinners in this message.
(i) Saints are called to preach the gospel at every given opportunity. We are to preach in season and out of season. This means, there is no time for vacation as it concerns preaching the gospel. Be a messenger of hope to sinners in your school and community. As you carry out the assignment faithfully, Jesus will back up your effort with signs and wonders.
(ii) Sinners are called to repent and turn from their wicked ways. Salvation is available to all sinners. The door of God’s mercy is still open. Therefore, sinners must come to Jesus now, confess their sins, ask for forgiveness and cleansing through the blood of Jesus. Then the time of refreshing will come upon them from the presence of the Lord.
QUESTIONS:
- Mention the names of the disciples that went to the temple to pray.
- Who received a miracle through them?
- By whose name did he receive the miracle?
- What did Peter do after the healing of the man?
- What are the lessons for the saint and the sinner?
MEMORY VERSE: “Then Peter said Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk” (Acts 3:6).
LESSON: Jesus has power to do all things.
THOUGHT: I will trust in Him at all times.
ACTIVITY: Sword drill – Matthew 28:18; Mark 16:20; Acts 14:9; John 9:7
HOMEWORK: Write down the signs that will follow those who believe the gospel of Christ.
CONGREGATIONAL SONG: GHS 153 – WITH SIGNS FOLLOWING
CHORUSES: (1) Silver and gold have I none. (2) Glory be to God in the highest (Amen), for His mercies endureth forever. (3) I know He’s able, He’s able.
BIBLE WORD SEARCH
Find the meaning of these words. You can use your dictionary:
- Temple
- Declaration
- Soundness
- Leaping
- Numerically
