(5–8 minutes, easy set-up)
Learners will compare Luke 19:28–40 with Acts 7:51–60 to understand the variety of responses that people can offer to Christ.
Provide a dry erase board and marker.
Explain that different people responded differently to Jesus. Read Luke 19:35–38, and then lead learners to review the passage to determine the responses of the people to Jesus’ arrival. List responses on the left side of the dry erase board. Ask: Why did these people respond this way? (They responded this way because they had seen Jesus perform miracles.)
Read Acts 7:51–60, and then lead learners to review the passage to determine the responses of these people to the message of Stephen. Ask: Why was it so hard for these people to accept God’s love? (The people wanted religion without personal accountability and legalism rather than grace.) Point out that Stephen’s call for faith in Jesus Christ led the people to put him to death. Ask: Why was Stephen so bold?
Point out that Jesus’ message is always the same, but the way that people respond varies from situation to situation. Emphasize that in the passage from Luke, people initially celebrated Jesus’ arrival. Then people wanted to kill the messenger in the Acts passage.