Bible ReadingActs 9:36–42> Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, “Please come to us without delay.” So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them. But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.
[36:26] [37:40] [39:06] [39:44]1 Kings 17:17–24> After this the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, became ill. And his illness was so severe that there was no breath left in him. And she said to Elijah, “What have you against me, O man of God? You have come to me to bring my sin to remembrance and to cause the death of my son!” And he said to her, “Give me your son.” And he took him from her arms and carried him up into the upper chamber where he lodged, and laid him on his own bed. And he cried to the LORD, “O LORD my God, have you brought calamity even upon the widow with whom I sojourn, by killing her son?” Then he stretched himself upon the child three times and cried to the LORD, “O LORD my God, let this child's life come into him again.” And the LORD listened to the voice of Elijah. And the life of the child came into him again, and he revived. And Elijah took the child and brought him down from the upper chamber into the house and gave him to his mother. And Elijah said, “See, your son lives.” And the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in your mouth is truth.”
[41:15]Luke 8:49–56> While he was still speaking, someone from the ruler's house came and said, “Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more.” But Jesus on hearing this answered him, “Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well.” And when he came to the house, he allowed no one to enter with him, except Peter and John and James, and the father and mother of the child. And all were weeping and mourning for her, but he said, “Do not weep, for she is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But taking her by the hand he called, saying, “Child, arise.” And her spirit returned, and she got up at once. And he directed that something should be given her to eat. And her parents were amazed, but he charged them to tell no one what had happened.
[41:15]Observation questions- What details in Acts 9 show that Tabitha’s care for others was practical and personal, not simply a good reputation? What do the widows bring forward as evidence of her life?
- Why might Acts give both names, Tabitha and Dorcas? What does this detail suggest about the different people who would hear her story? [37:40]
- What actions happen before Peter says, “Tabitha, arise”? Who is present, and how do they care for Tabitha and grieve her death?
- What similarities can the group notice between Tabitha’s raising, Elijah’s raising of the widow’s son, and Jesus raising Jairus’s daughter? [41:15]
Interpretation questions- Acts calls Tabitha a disciple before it describes Peter raising her. What does this suggest about how discipleship is recognized in a person’s ordinary life? [39:06]
- The widows show Peter garments Tabitha made. Why does this simple detail matter? How can material care—clothing, food, transportation, legal help, or listening—bear witness to God’s love?
- Peter calls Tabitha by name, and she rises. How does being known by name stand against the tendency to treat people as labels, problems, or groups rather than as full human beings? [44:29]
- Resurrection stories do not deny grief or suffering, but they refuse to let death have the last word. What kinds of loving kindness can feel “dead” in a divided community, and what might it mean to hope for their renewal? [47:37]
Application questions- Tabitha gave of her whole self through tangible care. What particular need—among neighbors, coworkers, family members, or people in this congregation—have you noticed lately? What is one realistic way you could show up with more than good intentions? [39:28]
- Love is “sweet labor”: fierce, imperfect, life-giving, and chosen again and again. Where has love felt tiring or costly for you lately? What would it look like to choose one small act of love without pretending the situation is easy? [48:06]
- Harmful narratives often turn immigrants, trans and nonbinary people, and other vulnerable neighbors into monoliths. When have you heard someone reduced to a label or stereotype? How could you help shift that conversation toward dignity, agency, and a real human story? [49:16]
- Sacred curiosity means seeing another person as someone you do not yet fully know, rather than as a stranger or enemy. Who is someone whose experience is different from yours? What respectful question could you ask—or what could you listen for—without needing to defend yourself or solve everything? [46:42]
- When your heart feels hardened by fear, anger, or bad news, what practices help wonder return you to compassion? Consider prayer, time outdoors, conversation, art, Scripture, or learning someone’s story. [48:19]
- Tabitha’s community was known by the ways it cared for people who were grieving and vulnerable. What would it look like for this group or congregation to become more clearly known for loving kindness in the wider community? [47:10]
- God calls Tabitha by name into new life. What needs to rise again in you: empathy, courage, hope, generosity, curiosity, or a willingness to act? What support might help you take that next step? [49:33]
