Ananias (Hananiah in Hebrew) – “Yahweh has been gracious.”
God chooses to pour out His extraordinary grace through the lives of ordinary disciples of Jesus.
Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” 5 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. 6 “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” —Acts 9:1-6
- “Who are you, Lord?”
- “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”
- Why does God use Ananias?
In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered. 11 The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” —Acts 9:10-12
Three things we learn about being a disciple from Ananias…
1. Ananias knew how to listen for the voice of the Lord.
2. Ananias was available for God to use him.
3. Ananias was prepared to obey Jesus even when it seemed ridiculously dangerous.
So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized… —Acts 9:17-18
Discipleship Guide
Let’s Talk About It
Ananias was an ordinary disciple of Jesus. He could’ve made excuses or played it safe when God told him to go and pray for Saul, a man who had been violently persecuting Christians. But God was at work in Saul’s life, revealing Himself and softening Saul’s heart. We never know what God has done to prepare someone to receive the Gospel. We must choose whether or not we will partner with Him in what He’s doing. Ananias listened for the voice of God, was available to be used by God, and was prepared to obey Jesus even when it seemed incredibly dangerous. God chooses to pour out His extraordinary grace through the lives of ordinary disciples.
Acts 9:1-18; Acts 22:14-16
Discussion questions:
- Which part of the message impacted or challenged you?
- Read Acts 9:1-12. How would you respond if God told you to pray for someone who didn’t just disagree with you about your faith but who was persecuting and imprisoning followers of Christ?
- Ananias was confident that the Lord told him to minister to Saul. How confident are you in hearing and discerning the voice of the Lord? How do you know what is God’s voice and what are just your thoughts?
- Read Acts 9:13-18. Ananias was prepared to obey God even when it seemed dangerous. Are you prepared to obey Jesus when God moves you beyond your comfortable space? Is there a situation or decision you’re currently wrestling with? What would it look like to take a courageous step of faith?
- Read Acts 22:14-16. As followers of Jesus, each of us should be an Ananias to someone, and each of us should have an Ananias. Who are you mentoring? Who is mentoring you?
Take a Step
- Consider the last question. What steps can you take to build those two relationships?
Here’s My Prayer
Thank You, Jesus, for giving us examples of ordinary people being courageously used by You to reach people with the Gospel. Break my heart for those who don’t know You and open my ears to hear Your voice, leading me to share with them. I confess my fear and ask You to replace it with Your boldness so I can be an effective and obedient witness for You. In Jesus’ name, amen.