In Lystra there sat a man who was lame. He had been that way from birth and had never walked. He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed and called out, “Stand up on your feet!” At that, the man jumped up and began to walk. When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in human form!” Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker. But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting: “Friends, why are you doing this? We too are only human, like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and everything in them.

Devotion based on Acts 14:8-12,14,15

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Have you ever seen someone do something so amazing, people freak out a little? Maybe someone made a full-court basketball shot or landed a skateboard trick that seemed impossible. Now imagine seeing a man who had never walked in his whole life suddenly jump up and walk because someone told him to. That’s what happened when Paul saw that the man had faith to be healed and shouted, “Stand up on your feet!” The man didn’t just stand—he leaped!

The crowd went wild. But they got the wrong idea. They thought Paul and Barnabas were gods—Zeus and Hermes! That’s like someone seeing a teacher do a science experiment and shouting, “She must be Wonder Woman!” It wasn’t true, and it wasn’t okay. So, Paul and Barnabas tore their clothes (an old way of saying “Stop! This is very wrong!”) and yelled, “We’re just humans like you!” Think of Incredible Hulk-level frustration—except without turning green.

Paul pointed them to the real God, the one who made the world, sends the rain, and gives us joy. But not everyone liked that message. People threw stones at Paul and left him for dead. But guess what? He got up, went back to the city, and kept sharing the good news. He didn’t give up!

Remember this: God can use ordinary people to do extraordinary things—not to make them famous, but to point others to Jesus—not with lightning bolts or superpowers, but with love, truth, and courage.

Dear Jesus, sometimes people believe the wrong things. Help us be brave like Paul and Barnabas—to tell others about you, even when it’s hard. When we feel like giving up, remind us you’re with us. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Questions for Middle School and Above