On Trial for the Gospel
Key thoughtTrusting God means sharing the gospel with courage even when it costs us something.
“Listen for what Paul says to the religious leaders, and what the Lord says to Paul that night.”
1And looking intently at the council, Paul said, “Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day.” 2And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth. 3Then Paul said to him, “God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Are you sitting to judge me according to the law, and yet contrary to the law you order me to be struck?” 4Those who stood by said, “Would you revile God’s high priest?” 5And Paul said, “I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest, for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’” 6Now when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.”
…11On the following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage, for as you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also in Rome.”
Paul stood before the Sanhedrin and defended his faith. He was wise, bold, and respectful. But the council was divided, and the situation turned dangerous. That night, the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage, for as you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also in Rome.”
Paul’s circumstances looked bad. He was on trial. People wanted to kill him. But God was in control. He would use this very danger to get Paul to Rome, where he would preach the gospel to people who had never heard.
Tonight is JAM, and the kids are learning this same story. Paul trusted God in danger. Trusting God does not mean nothing bad will happen. It means believing that God is working all things for good, even when the situation looks dark. That is what missions is about — sharing the gospel with courage because we know that God loves us and will care for us, no matter what we face.
When have you been afraid to talk about Jesus? What would help you be brave? Identify one person you could share with this week.
- What did Paul say that caused the religious leaders to argue? What does that teach us about wisdom in sharing the gospel?
- What did the Lord say to Paul that night? How does His promise help us face hard situations with courage?
- Have you ever been afraid to talk about your faith? What would help you trust God and be brave?
Ask God for courage to share the gospel even when it is hard. Thank Him that He is in control of every situation. Pray for the kids in JAM tonight, that they would learn to trust God and share Jesus with boldness.
Amen