The Church Begins · Lesson 8
Dorcas Helps People
Acts 9:36-43; Mark 5:35-43 New Testament PrincipleKindness
Dorcas loved Jesus and was always doing kind things, like making clothes for widows. When she got sick and died, her friends sent for Peter. Peter prayed, and God brought Dorcas back to life, and many people believed in Jesus.
God has been so kind to us in Jesus, and He makes His people kind, always looking for ways to help others.
- CreationGod made it
- FallWe broke it
- RedemptionJesus fixes it (this lesson)
- RestorationJesus makes it new
Memory verse
“Therefore as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.”
Galatians 6:10 BSB
Christ Connection · God’s character
Peter didn't raise Dorcas by his own power. He knelt and prayed, then spoke words that echo Jesus' own, "Talitha, get up." The risen Jesus was still at work, and many in Joppa believed in the Lord. Dorcas's kindness was itself a fruit of Jesus' work in her (Ephesians 2:10).
Acts 9:34, 40-42; Mark 5:41; Ephesians 2:10
The Big Story · Redemption
Since the Fall, people have suffered sickness, need and death. Jesus defeats death, and His people show His kindness to the needy, a preview of the day when He makes everything new.
Teacher Guide
This version includes:
- Background and context for the passage
- Hidden in Plain Sight: the detail most people miss
- The Christ Connection: how this story points to Jesus
- A 45-minute class plan and prep checklist
- Object lesson: Wrapped in kindness
- Theo’s Workshop (build challenge): No-sew scarves to give
- A skit to act out the story
- Review game: Kindness basket
- Pronunciation help, tips for every age, song ideas and a note for parents
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Preschool (ages 3–5)
I can be kind like Dorcas.
This version includes:
- An opening hook and a 4-minute Bible story written for this age, with a Hidden in Plain Sight moment
- 3 discussion questions
- 2 activities: Kind hands, Color Dorcas
- 6 “Dasch Digs Up” facts
- Real-life connections: at home, at church
- Song ideas, Live It, a prayer, and a printable student handout (preview below)
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Free preview · Kindergarten – 2nd grade
Dorcas loved Jesus and was always being kind. When she died, Peter prayed and God brought her back to life. We can be kind because God is kind to us.
Memory verse
“As we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone.”
Adapted from Galatians 6:10
Start here
Ask, "What's the kindest thing anyone has ever made for you?" Let kids share. Say, "Today we meet a woman who made things for people who really needed them."
Bible story 6 min
In the city of Joppa lived a woman named Dorcas. She loved Jesus. She was always doing good things. She helped poor people.
Dorcas sewed coats and clothes. She gave them to widows. Widows are women whose husbands have died. They had no one to help them.
One day Dorcas got very sick. Then she died. Her friends were so sad. They sent two men to get Peter. "Please come quickly!" they said.
The rest of the story, discussion questions, songs, Live It and prayer are for members.
Try an activity
Kindness charades 8 min
You’ll need: Paper, Markers
- Write kind actions on slips (help clean up, share a snack, hold the door). Kids act them out for others to guess.
- Say, "Dorcas was always doing good. We can too!"
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3rd – 4th grade
Dorcas, a disciple who was always doing kind things for the poor, died and was raised to life when Peter prayed in Jesus' power. Her life shows that God's kindness to us makes us kind to others.
This version includes:
- An opening hook and a 8-minute Bible story written for this age, with a Hidden in Plain Sight moment
- 5 discussion questions
- 2 activities: Peter learned from Jesus, Kindness coupons
- 6 “Dasch Digs Up” facts
- Real-life connections: at school, at home, at church
- Song ideas, Live It, a prayer, and a printable student handout (preview below)
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
5th – 6th grade
Dorcas's life of kindness and her raising through Peter's prayer show Jesus still at work through His people, saved by grace for good works, and set the stage in Joppa for the gospel to go to the Gentiles.
This version includes:
- An opening hook and a 10-minute Bible story written for this age, with a Hidden in Plain Sight moment
- 5 discussion questions
- 2 activities: Saved for good works, My gifts for good
- 6 “Dasch Digs Up” facts
- Real-life connections: online and on screens, at school, at church
- Song ideas, Live It, a prayer, and a printable student handout (preview below)
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
More lessons on Kindness
The same principle in other Bible stories.
