A Man Walks Again

Acts 3

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.

One day, Peter and John were going to the temple to pray.

As they walked, they saw a man sitting by the gate. This man could not walk. Every day, people carried him there so he could ask others for money.

When the man saw Peter and John, he asked them for help.

Peter looked at him and said, “Look at us.”

The man looked up, thinking he might receive some money.

But Peter said, “I don’t have silver or gold, but I will give you what I do have. In the name of Jesus, get up and walk!”

Then Peter took the man by the hand and helped him up.

And right away—something amazing happened!

The man’s legs became strong. He stood up. He began to walk!

Then he started jumping and praising God. He was so happy!

The people saw him walking and jumping. They were amazed because they knew he had never been able to walk before.

Peter told them, “This happened because of Jesus.”

And many people listened and learned about Jesus that day.

Key Takeaway for Preschoolers

Jesus helps people, and we can help others, too.

Dear God,

Thank You that Jesus helps people. Thank You for Your power and Your love. Help us be kind and help others. Help us tell others about Jesus. We love you, God.

In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Take-Home Material

Bible Verse: “You will be My witnesses.” — Acts 1:8, BSB

Paraphrase: We can tell others about Jesus.

Activities

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

1. “Jump and Praise” Movement Game

Objective: Help children remember the joy of the man who was healed.

Materials: None

Activity:

• Have children stand in an open space.
• Say, “The man could not walk… let’s sit very still.”
• Then say, “Jesus helped him!” and invite children to stand, walk in place, and then jump with excitement.
• Encourage them to say, “Thank You, God!” as they jump.
• Repeat the sequence several times.

Talk About It: “What did the man do when he was healed? He walked and jumped and praised God!”

2. “Helping Hands” Activity

Objective: Teach children that we can help others.

Materials: None (optional: paper hand cutouts)

Activity:

• Pair children together.
• Have one child gently help the other stand up (like Peter helped the man).
• Switch roles so each child has a turn helping.
• If using paper hands, let children hold them and say, “We can help others!”

Talk About It: “How did Peter help the man? How can we help others?”

3. “Walk the Path” Game

Objective: Reinforce the idea that the man could walk after being healed.

Materials: Tape or string to mark a simple path on the floor

Activity:

• Create a simple path on the floor.
• Have children take turns walking along the path.
• Encourage them to smile and say, “Thank You, Jesus!” as they walk.
• You can add gentle clapping as each child finishes.

Talk About It: “Who helped the man walk? Jesus did!”

4. “Walk and Jump for Joy” Song (Tune: Mary Had a Little Lamb)

Objective: Reinforce the story through music and joyful movement.

Materials: None

Activity:

• Teach children the following song to the tune of Mary Had a Little Lamb:

        The man could not walk at all,

        Walk at all, walk at all,

        The man could not walk at all,

        Until Jesus helped him.

        Now he walks and jumps for joy,

        Jumps for joy, jumps for joy,

        Now he walks and jumps for joy,

        And praises God above!

• Encourage children to act out the motions: sit still, then stand, walk, and jump.
• Repeat several times.

Talk About It: “What did the man do after Jesus helped him? He walked and jumped for joy!”

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

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