The Church Begins · Lesson 7
Saul Meets Jesus
Acts 9:1-22; 2 Corinthians 5:17 New Testament PrincipleRepentance
Saul was trying to hurt Jesus' followers. But on the road to Damascus, the risen Jesus stopped him with a bright light and spoke to him. Saul turned around, followed Jesus, and became one of His greatest messengers.
No one is too far from God for Jesus to reach. When Jesus finds us, we turn from our sin and follow Him, and He makes us new.
- CreationGod made it
- FallWe broke it
- RedemptionJesus fixes it (this lesson)
- RestorationJesus makes it new
Memory verse
“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!”
2 Corinthians 5:17 BSB
Christ Connection · The gospel
The risen Jesus Himself met Saul. Paul later wrote that he was the worst of sinners, yet Jesus showed him mercy as an example for everyone who would believe (1 Timothy 1:15-16). If Jesus could change Saul, He can change anyone.
Acts 9:3-6; 1 Timothy 1:15-16; 2 Corinthians 5:17
The Big Story · Redemption
Since the Fall, people have fought against God. Through Jesus, God doesn't just defeat His enemies; He turns them into His children and sends them out with the good news.
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: Turn around
- Dasch’s Dig Site (bible-times history): The street called Straight
- A skit to act out the story
- Review game: Scales fall
- Pronunciation help, tips for every age, song ideas and a note for parents
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Preschool (ages 3–5)
Jesus can change anyone.
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: Turn around, Color the bright light
- 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)
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
Free preview · Kindergarten – 2nd grade
Saul was hurting Jesus' followers, but Jesus stopped him with a bright light and changed his heart. Saul turned around, followed Jesus, and told everyone about Him.
Memory verse
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.”
Adapted from 2 Corinthians 5:17
Start here
Ask, "Is there anyone too bad for Jesus to love?" Let kids answer. Say, "Today we meet a man everyone thought was too bad. Let's see what Jesus does!"
Bible story 6 min
A man named Saul did not believe in Jesus. He was angry at Jesus' followers. He put them in jail.
Saul set out for the city of Damascus. He planned to catch more of Jesus' followers there.
On the way, a bright light from heaven flashed all around him! Saul fell to the ground. A voice said, "Saul, Saul, why are you hurting Me?"
The rest of the story, discussion questions, songs, Live It and prayer are for members.
Try an activity
Blindfold walk 8 min
You’ll need: A scarf or blindfold
- In pairs, one child wears a blindfold and the other gently leads them across the room, like Saul's friends did.
- Switch. Ask, "How did it feel to need help? How did Saul feel when he could see again?"
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
3rd – 4th grade
Saul was attacking Jesus' church until the risen Jesus met him on the road to Damascus. Jesus' grace turned Saul around, and he repented, was baptized and began preaching that Jesus is the Son of God.
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: Before and after, Scales falling
- 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
The risen Jesus confronted Saul, the church's fiercest enemy, and showed him grace. Saul repented, was welcomed as "Brother," baptized and sent as Jesus' chosen messenger, proving that no one is beyond the reach of Jesus' mercy.
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: The worst of sinners, Turning around
- 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 Repentance
The same principle in other Bible stories.
