Sixth Sunday of Easter (Acts 16:9-15)
Today is the Sixth Sunday of Easter. We continue to celebrate Jesus rising from death to new life.
Today, we learn about a woman named Lydia.
Watch the video to learn more:
St. Paul traveled to many places to teach people about Jesus. He traveled by boat to countries that were far away in order to teach the good news that Jesus loves everyone.
During his travels, he met Lydia. Lydia was a fascinating woman. She owned her own business, something that was very unusual for women during that time. She sold beautiful purple cloth. Purple cloth was expensive so rich and famous people were usually the only people who could afford it.
Lydia was very interested in what Paul had to say about Jesus. She said, “I want to learn all that I can about Jesus. Tell me everything.”
Paul told Lydia about Jesus’ teachings. He told her that Jesus said that we should love one another. He also told her that there is nothing that can separate us from God’s love.
Lydia wanted to be a follower of Jesus. She asked Paul, “Will you baptize me and everyone who lives in my house?”
Paul baptized Lydia and everyone who lived in her house. As he baptized them he said, “I baptized you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
Lydia invited Paul to stay at her house with her family and so he did. Lydia, a new follower of Jesus, began to tell as many people as she could “Jesus loves you.” She was also generous, using her money to help others. Many learned about Jesus from Lydia, the seller of purple cloth.
Discuss
- What is your favorite color?
- Who was at your baptism?
- How can you share the good news of God’s love?
Song
Christ Arose. Go Fish Guys.
Activity
Try making a tie die coffee filter butterfly. Butterflies are a symbol of new life which we celebrate during the Easter season. Consider making yours purple in honor Lydia who sold purple cloth.
Activity
Make a purple fruit salad! While you’ll have to use some dark blue fruit, too, since there aren’t that many purple fruits, try these: blackberries, blueberries, purple grapes, and cut up plums. Mix together and enjoy!
Closing Prayer
Jesus, help us follow you. Help us show others and tell others about your love. Amen.
Pastor Dan Fugate, Assistant to the Bishop for Discipleship in the Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA, put this lesson together for Sunday School @ Home. Contact him at [email protected].
