The Story of Tabitha To Teach Your Kids

Have you ever known someone who was always helping others? Today's Bible story is about a woman named Tabitha who showed God's love through her kindness. Her story teaches us that God sees every good deed we do, and He has the power to do amazing things!

Who Was Tabitha?

In the coastal town of Joppa (part of modern-day Israel), there lived a woman named Tabitha. Her name means "gazelle" in Aramaic, and in Greek she was called Dorcas. Tabitha was a disciple of Jesus, which means she believed in Him and followed His teachings.

But Tabitha wasn't just a believer in name only. She put her faith into action every single day. She was famous throughout Joppa for her kindness and generosity, especially to people who needed help the most.

The Story of Tabitha

A Woman Who Helped Others

Tabitha had a special skill - she could sew beautifully. She used this talent to help widows in her community. Widows were women whose husbands had died, and in those days, they often had no way to earn money or take care of themselves.

Tabitha would make clothes, robes, and other garments for these women who couldn't afford them. She didn't do this for praise or reward. She did it because she loved God and wanted to show His love to others. Her life was full of good works and acts of charity, and everyone in Joppa knew her generous heart.

This kind of service to others is what Jesus taught His followers to do. You can read more about Bible stories about serving others to see how God values helping people in need.

Tabitha Becomes Sick

One day, something terrible happened. Tabitha became very sick. Her friends and the people she had helped gathered around her, hoping she would get better. They prayed and cared for her, but sadly, Tabitha's illness was too serious.

She died.

The whole town was heartbroken. The women Tabitha had helped wept for their friend. Following the burial customs of their time, they washed her body and laid her in an upper room of a house. The community mourned the loss of this wonderful woman who had touched so many lives.

Peter Was Nearby

At the same time, the apostle Peter was in the nearby town of Lydda, about 10 miles away. Peter had been traveling around, teaching people about Jesus and performing miracles through God's power.

When the disciples in Joppa heard that Peter was so close, they had an idea. They sent two men with an urgent message: "Please come at once!"

Peter agreed to come immediately. Can you imagine how the believers in Joppa felt? They had seen Jesus perform miracles during His ministry. They knew Peter had been Jesus' close disciple. Maybe, just maybe, God would do something extraordinary.

Peter Arrives in Joppa

When Peter arrived, he was taken upstairs to the room where Tabitha's body lay. The room was filled with widows - the very women Tabitha had helped. They were crying and showing Peter all the beautiful robes and clothes that Tabitha had made for them.

Every piece of clothing was a reminder of Tabitha's kindness. Every stitch showed her love for others. The widows' tears showed how much she had meant to them.

Peter could see that Tabitha had been a special person. But he knew that God could do something even more special.

The Miracle

Peter asked everyone to leave the room. Alone with Tabitha's body, he got down on his knees and prayed. Peter had seen Jesus raise people from the dead. He had witnessed Jesus bring Jairus' daughter back to life and raise Lazarus from the tomb. Peter knew that the same power of God could work through him.

After praying, Peter turned to Tabitha's body and said, "Tabitha, get up."

Suddenly, her eyes opened! When she saw Peter, she sat up, alive again! Peter took her hand and helped her stand to her feet. Then he called the believers and the widows back into the room.

Can you imagine their reaction? The woman they had been mourning was standing before them, alive and well!

You can read the complete account in Acts 9:36-43.

The News Spreads

News of this amazing miracle spread quickly throughout Joppa and the surrounding areas. Many people who heard about what happened believed in Jesus. Tabitha's story became a powerful testimony of God's love and power.

Peter stayed in Joppa for some time after this, living with a man named Simon the tanner. And Tabitha? She continued living in Joppa, a living example of God's power and a reminder to everyone that our good works matter to God.

This wasn't the only time God performed amazing healing miracles in the early church. God continued to work through the apostles to show His power and love.

What Can We Learn from Tabitha's Story?

God Sees Our Good Works

Tabitha didn't help others to be famous or to get something in return. She served quietly and faithfully. But God saw everything she did. Her kindness mattered to God, and He used her life to bring glory to Himself. Every time you help someone, share with someone, or show kindness, God sees it and is pleased.

Use Your Talents to Help Others

Tabitha was good at sewing, so she used that skill to bless others. What are you good at? Maybe you're good at drawing, reading, playing an instrument, or making people laugh. Whatever your talents are, you can use them to help others and show God's love, just like Tabitha did. Learn more about stories about kindness in the Bible.

God Has Power Over Death

The most amazing part of Tabitha's story is that God brought her back to life! This shows us that nothing is impossible for God. Even death cannot stop God's plans. This miracle pointed people to Jesus, who conquered death by rising from the grave.

Our Lives Impact Others

Look at how many people were affected by Tabitha's life. The widows who received her handmade clothes, the community that mourned her death, and all the people who believed in Jesus after hearing about the miracle. One person living faithfully can influence many others.

Faith and Prayer Matter

Peter didn't try to raise Tabitha through his own power. He prayed first, depending on God. When we face situations that seem impossible, prayer is always the first step. God listens to our prayers and can do far more than we can imagine.

How Can You Be Like Tabitha?

You might be thinking, "I'm just a kid. How can I help others like Tabitha did?" Here are some ways:

• Share what you have: Do you have toys, books, or clothes you've outgrown? Consider giving them to someone who needs them.
• Help at home: Look for ways to help your parents, siblings, or other family members without being asked.
• Be kind at school: Include someone who's alone, help a classmate who's struggling, or stand up for someone being treated unfairly.
• Use your talents: Whether you draw pictures, write stories, play music, or do something else, think about how you can use your skills to brighten someone's day.
• Pray for others: One of the most powerful ways to help is to pray for people who need God's help.

Remember, you don't have to do big things to make a difference. Small acts of kindness done with love matter to God and to the people around you.

Tabitha's Legacy

Tabitha is remembered not because she was rich or famous, but because she had a servant's heart. She saw people's needs and did something about them. Her story has been inspiring Christians for nearly 2,000 years!

When we read about brave women in the Bible, Tabitha stands out as someone whose courage showed itself through faithful service. She may not have fought battles or led armies, but she fought poverty and loneliness with her needle and thread.

The Bible tells us that Tabitha was "full of good works and acts of charity." That's a beautiful description! Wouldn't it be wonderful if people could say that about us too?

Questions to Think About

• What do you think Tabitha's clothes looked like? Why do you think she took such care in making them?
• How do you think the widows felt when they saw Tabitha alive again?
• What talents or skills do you have that you could use to help others?
• Who is someone in your life that needs help or kindness right now?
• How does Tabitha's story help you understand God's love better?

A Prayer Like Tabitha

If you want to live like Tabitha did, you can pray something like this:

"Dear God, thank You for the story of Tabitha. Help me to be kind and generous like she was. Show me ways I can help others and use my talents for Your glory. Give me eyes to see people who need help and a willing heart to serve them. Thank You that You see everything I do and that even small acts of kindness matter to You. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Remember This

Tabitha's story teaches us that a life of faithful service matters to God. She didn't do spectacular things - she simply made clothes for people who needed them. But her consistent kindness touched many lives, and God honored her by performing a miracle through Peter.

You might feel like you're too young or that what you do doesn't matter much. But Tabitha's story shows us that every act of kindness counts. Every time you help someone, you're showing them God's love. And God sees it all!

Like Tabitha, you can make a difference in your world by serving others with a cheerful heart. Who knows? Your kindness might lead someone to believe in Jesus, just like Tabitha's story led many people in Joppa to faith.

For more inspiring stories, check out these inspirational stories for teens and short Bible stories for children that teach us about following Jesus.