1

Enemies: Ananias Cares for Saul

Matthew 5:13-20; Acts 9:36-43

Characters: Narrator, Jesus, God, Ananias

Narrator:Before Jesus ascended into heaven, he gave a sermon known today as the “Sermon on the Mount.” Jesus taught the people on the mountainside many things; one of which was how to treat enemies:

Jesus:You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.” But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

Narrator:Jesus continued teaching the crowd that day on the mountainside:

Jesus:You have heard “Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Aren’t even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Don’t the pagans do that as well? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Narrator:Many years later, after Jesus had died, resurrected, and ascended into heaven, a man by the name of Saul persecuted the first Christians. He was ruthless, and had anyone he thought believed in Jesus as their savior executed. During that time, God came to Ananias, a disciple, in a vision:

God:Ananias!

Ananias:Yes, Lord?

God:Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.

Ananias:Lord, I have heard many reports about this man. He has killed many believers in Jerusalem. I have also heard that he has come here with the authority from the chief priests to kill those who believe in your Son.

God:Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.

Narrator:Ananias followed God’s instructions, and went to the house Saul was staying at. He placed his hands on Saul, and said:

Ananias:Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here, has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Narrator:After Ananias said those words, scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could immediately see again. He got up, and was baptized, and after eating some food, he regained his strength. Saul stayed in Damascus for several days, learning about Jesus and praying with the other disciples.

ACROSS
3 / Saul participated in this after he was healed.
5 / And a _____ for a _____.
7 / An ___ for an ___.
8 / The unmerited favor of God that he gives us, including salvation and daily bread.
10 / Ananias was one of these; he followed Jesus.
13 / This was the city Saul was sent to for healing.
18 / The forgiveness of sins from God Himself through the proclamation of a pastor.
19 / Jesus taught many things during this sermon, including that Christians should love their enemies.
/ DOWN
1 / Saul did this with the other disciples when he was healed.
2 / We should do this to our enemies.
4 / These covered Saul's eyes.
6 / Jesus has this job, to speak on our behalf to God the Father.
9 / This group was hunted down by Saul.
11 / This group gave Saul the authority for persecuting the early Christians.
12 / God the Father is this.
14 / He healed Saul.
15 / Admitting you have since against God and desire his forgiveness.
16 / Saul suffered from this after first seeing Jesus.
17 / He persecuted the early Christians.