Tabitha

Acts 9:36-42


Our true story comes from a part of the Bible called Acts, which is short for “the Acts of the Apostles.” An apostle is someone who is sent to teach others about Jesus.

There was a kind woman named Tabitha. Some of her friends called her Dorcas. She loved Jesus very much, and she liked to help people. Tabitha made clothes for people who needed them. She gave food and hugs and kind words. Everyone in her town of Joppa loved her!

One day, Tabitha got very sick. She lay down and didn’t get up. Her friends were very sad. They missed her so much! They had heard that Peter, one of Jesus’ helpers, was nearby. So they sent someone to ask Peter to come quickly.

Peter came right away. When he got to the house, many people were crying. They showed Peter all the clothes Tabitha had made. “She was so kind,” they said. “We love her.”

Peter went into the room where Tabitha was. He knelt down and prayed. Then he said, “Tabitha, get up.”

And guess what? Tabitha opened her eyes! She sat up! Peter helped her stand, and everyone was so happy! They thanked God for bringing Tabitha back.

When people in the town heard what had happened, many of them believed in Jesus too. Tabitha kept on loving people and showing them kindness every day.

Jesus loves when we are kind and helpful. And when we pray, He listens and helps.
 

Dear God,

Thank You for the story of Tabitha. She was kind and helped so many people. Help us to be kind, too—to share, to help, and to love others. Thank You for hearing our prayers, and thank You for always helping us. We love You, God.

In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.





Bible Verse: Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. — Psalm 119:105, BSB

Paraphrase: God’s Word shows me the way.



Activities

These activities help preschoolers engage with the story through movement, crafts, music, and storytelling, making the lesson fun and memorable.


1. Kindness Clothesline

Objective: Celebrate how Tabitha helped others by making clothes and remind children that they can help, too.

Materials: Paper shirt/pants/dress cutouts, crayons or markers, string, clothespins or tape.

Activity: Let children color and decorate the clothing cutouts. As they work, talk about how Tabitha made clothes for people who needed them. Hang a string across a wall or table and help children “hang” their clothes on the line.

Talk About It: Say, “Tabitha helped people by making clothes. What are some ways you can help others?”


2. Helping Hands Heart

Objective: Help children understand that their hands can be used to show kindness and love.

Materials: Construction paper, scissors, crayons, glue.

Activity: Trace each child’s hand on paper and cut it out. Then glue the hands around a big heart shape. Children can decorate the heart and write or draw ways they can help others.

Talk About It: “Tabitha used her hands to help people. What kinds of kind things can you do with your hands?”


3. Tabitha Doll Play

Objective: Encourage role-play and storytelling about kindness and healing.

Materials: Dolls or stuffed animals, small pieces of cloth, toy doctor kit (optional).

Activity: Let children wrap dolls in cloth like Tabitha might have made. Talk about how the people were sad when Tabitha died and how happy they were when Peter prayed, and she came back to life. Reenact the story with simple actions.

Talk About It: “Jesus’ friends prayed, and God brought Tabitha back! God hears our prayers, too!”


4. Musical Freeze: “Be Kind!”

Objective: Reinforce the theme of kindness with movement and music.

Materials: Upbeat music or rhythm instrument.

Activity: Play music and let the children dance. When the music stops, call out an act of kindness (like “Share a toy!” or “Give a hug!”). Children can freeze in a pose that shows the action or act it out.

Talk About It: “Tabitha was kind. Let’s be kind, too! What’s one kind thing you did this week?”

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Story illustrations are the copyright of James M. Thomas. All rights reserved.
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