87. Peter and John Heal a Crippled Beggar
Background Scripture (read 2-3 times during the week)
Story Summary
The story of Peter and John healing the crippled beggar is a relatively straightforward story that is best just read directly from the Scripture. Here are some highlights and context:
- We learned in the previous story that the disciples began meeting in the temple courts and in their homes daily. Peter and John were apparently heading to the temple courts to pray when this occurred.
- Peter and John were able to perform this miracle through the power of Jesus, a further indication that the church was an extension of Jesus' ministry on the earth.
- After the man began to cause a huge stir when he began running and leaping all around the temple, Peter and John took the opportunity to once again establish to the Jews in the temple that Jesus was the fulfillment of prophecy in the Old Testament.
What You Will Need
Video Options
From Crossroads Kids Club. Includes the story of Peter and John healing the crippled man.
From LifeKids
From Saddleback Kids
Resource Sheet
This coloring sheet depicts Peter and John healing the crippled beggar outside the temple in Jerusalem.
1. Warm Up get your kids talking and engaged
Have you ever had an injury? What did your parents or your doctor do to heal you?
Today, we're going to learn about a time when some of the disciples healed a man who was crippled - which means he couldn't walk.
2. Teach the Story teach a holistic story
Read story from a Children's storybook Bible for younger children.
For older children, read the story from an age-appropriate Children's storybook Bible or read directly from the Bible.
3. Bible Mastery give them basic Bible skills
Scripture for Kids to Read Aloud: Acts 3:1-10
4. Comprehension Questions make sure they understand the story
First, ask the children if they have any questions about the story. What to do if you don't know the answer?
- Where were Peter and John going when this miracle happened? (to the temple, to pray)
- Who did Peter and John meet along the way? (a man who was crippled from birth)
- What did the man ask from Peter and John? (money, because he spent all his time outside the temple begging for money)
- What did Peter and John say to him? ("I don’t have any silver or gold. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk.")
- What happened next? (the man jumped to his feet and began to walk, and he walked and jumped around the temple praising God)
5. Faith Questions open up a conversation about faith and the gospel; close with prayer
- In this story, Peter and John performed a miracle in the name of Jesus.
- What miracle do you need to pray for in your life?
6. Memory Verse hide God's Word in their heart
When I'm afraid, I will trust in you. Psalm 56:3Disabled Activity
Scripture A man unable to walk was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful. He had been that way since he was born. Every day someone put him near the gate. There he would beg from people going into the temple courtyards. Acts 3:2
- Ask students to perform activities without their full abilities.
- Write on a piece of paper without their hands.
- Move around the room without their legs.
- Speak to someone without their mouth.
- Keep a balloon in the air while sitting.
Jumping Games
Scripture He jumped to his feet and began to walk. He went with Peter and John into the temple courtyards. He walked and jumped and praised God. Acts 3:8
Supplies supplies for games
- Play games that involve jumping:
- Jump Rope
- Hopscotch
- Hot Lava
- Jumpsies
Give to the Lame Man
Scripture A man unable to walk was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful. He had been that way since he was born. Every day someone put him near the gate. There he would beg from people going into the temple courtyards Acts 3:2
Supplies coins, bowls
- Place bowls in a line, spaced at equal intervals.
- Have students try to throw the coins into the bowls.
- Object of the game is to see who can get the penny in the farthest bowl.
- People would give money to the man sitting in the temple courts, as they went in to pray.
- Donate the money to a ministry that will help people in need.
In Jesus' name Simon Says Game
Scripture Peter said, "I don't have any silver or gold. But I'll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk." Acts 3:6
- Play Simon Says, but say "In Jesus' name," rather than Simon Says.
In Jesus' Name Game
Scripture Peter said, "I don't have any silver or gold. But I'll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk." Acts 3:6
- One person is chosen to be Peter.
- Another student is chosen to be the tagger.
- The students will run and try not to be tagged by the tagger.
- If you are tagged, you must sit down.
- Peter must tag you and say "In Jesus' name, get up and walk" before you can get up.
Finger Puppets
Scripture He jumped to his feet and began to walk. He went with Peter and John into the temple courtyards. He walked and jumped and praised God. Acts 3:8
Supplies finger puppet, scissors, crayons or markers
- Cut out puppets.
- Cut out leg holes.
- Color puppets.
- Allow students to play with puppets. Make the man lie down and jump up.