Intermediate Level, Block 10—Spread and Propagation
Week 99
A Solution is Being Agreed Upon
Point to Emphasize: We should be willing to find a solution when there are different views.
Reference Reading: Acts 15:1-25, 30-31, note 61, 91; Life-study of Acts, msgs. 41, 42
Memory Verse: And finally, be all of the same mind, sympathetic, loving the brothers, tenderhearted, humble-minded. (1 Peter 3:8)
Story Sample
Have you ever disagreed with someone? I’m sure we all have. When my girls were young and we were going out to dinner, their dad would ask, “Where should we go?” One of the girls always wanted to go to McDonalds, and the other always wanted KFC. They would stubbornly argue until their dad would step in and decide what we should do, and usually it was neither McDonalds nor KFC. Often he would choose Chinese food, and then neither of the girls was happy! Later on, they realized it would have been so much better if one had been willing to give in and agree to what the other wanted. It would make dinner so much more enjoyable for everyone! [Storyteller, use your own example.]
In the book of Acts, as the new followers of Jesus began to meet, there were times they disagreed also. At one time, they had a disagreement about an important Jewish custom, part of the Jewish law. Remember, the good news was spreading to many different places now. There were many different types of people meeting together, and this led to disagreements.
Eventually, they decided to have a gathering where they could voice their thoughts and come to a solution. It was a unique gathering, and all had the freedom to speak. Much discussion took place. Some spoke that the Jewish law should be followed. Some were Gentiles who knew nothing of the Jewish law and only wanted to follow what they had heard about Jesus.
There needed to be a solution. It was not decided by a king, nor was there a vote given. Peter spoke about what he had learned from a vision he had seen. Barnabas and Paul [mention that he was formerly called Saul] shared about speaking the good news about Jesus to the Gentiles. After everyone had spoken, a solution was reached. They all agreed that the Gentiles did not need to keep this custom of the Jewish law. James, who was from Jerusalem, spoke a final word about how they should continue from that time on. In the end, there needed to be a willingness to come to an agreement. All of them had to be willing to make it work.
This is a very good principle for us to learn. When we have a disagreement, we should always be willing to talk about what we think is best, and why. Then, we can be those who are willing to come up with a solution that we all can agree on.
[Lead the children to discuss some problems they have had with others and how they willingly came up with a solution or agreement. Begin with your own example to show them a pattern.]