The Story of Dorcas

Have you ever met anyone that reminded you of Jesus? Come meet Dorcas.

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Theme: Serving Others- The Holy Spirit Builds the Early Church

  1. Acts 9:36 says Dorcas “was always doing good and helping the poor.” What good things do you think she did to help people experiencing poverty?
  2. Many widows came to Dorcas’ house and showed the disciples the clothes that Dorcas had made for them. As you listen to this story, think about how people give back kindness when they receive it.

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After you listen

Memory Verse

In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor.

Audio Icon   Acts 9:36

Quiz

1. Name the ways that Dorcas helped the poor.

A: She gave them clothes and food.

2. Which apostle came to Dorcas’ house?

A: Peter

3. What did all the widows show Peter when he arrived at the house?

A: They showed all the clothes that Dorcas had made.

4. What miracle happened at Dorcas’ house?

A: She died and came back to life.

Reflect

In the book of Acts, the church had lots of work to do. Many new people started to believe in Jesus. Some of these new Christians were widows who needed help with food and clothing. Dorcas had a gift of hospitality; she cared for the widows' needs in her community.

In today’s story, it’s clear that Dorcas was greatly loved. When Dorcas became sick and died, the widows and the disciples gathered to take care of her body. Peter came when he heard the news. The Holy Spirit moved Peter to pray for Dorcas, and an extraordinary miracle happened: Dorcas got up. Dorcas was alive again to continue her service work. Many people heard her story, and so the church grew.

Throughout her life, Dorcas improved the lives of the people around her. She saw that someone had to help and that things needed to be done, so she stepped up and served others. Look around. Who needs help? Find small and big ways to help others.

Want to dig deeper and learn more about serving others? Check out Romans 12:1, 1 Samuel 12:24, and 1 Peter 4:10.

Challenge

Here’s a list of things you can do to serve others and make a difference. Choose one and do it this week for a friend, family member, or someone else you know who might need help:

  1. Give a parent a hug and a kiss before school.
  2. Put away the groceries.
  3. Sing a song after supper.
  4. Read the Bible during family devotions.
  5. Bless a family member with a treat.
  6. Fold the clean laundry.
  7. Brush the dog or cat.
  8. Read a story out loud to a younger sibling.
  9. Help clean a sibling’s room.
  10. Find a way to serve at church.
  11. Choose a way to bless your town or neighborhood and serve.

Check out the Christmas Coupon Book for more ideas if it's around Christmas time.

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