Babel Reversed – June 11, 2025
Read: Acts 2:1-21
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
Acts 2:1-4
Babel Reversed
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
In a previous devotion from Genesis 11, people were building a huge tower to show off how great they were—not to honor how great God is. So, God stopped their work by mixing up their languages. Suddenly, no one could understand each other! They couldn’t keep building, and they couldn’t work together anymore.
Why did God do that? Because he loves us. He didn’t want people to keep disobeying him and thinking they didn’t need him. But ever since then, confusion between people—arguing, fighting, and not understanding one another—has caused a lot of problems in the world.
So, you might wonder . . . “Can this confusion ever be fixed?”
Yes! That’s what makes the Day of Pentecost so amazing.
People from all over the world had come to Jerusalem. They spoke lots of different languages and they didn’t all understand each other. But God had a special plan.
First, there was a loud sound, like a giant windstorm—but no wind! People came running to see what was going on. Then, they saw something wild: flames appeared on the heads of Jesus’ disciples—but no one got burned! And then something even more amazing happened.
The Holy Spirit filled the disciples’ hearts with joy and courage. He helped them tell the story of Jesus—and guess what? They spoke in languages they had never learned! Suddenly, people from all over the world could understand what they were saying—in their own language!
God had done something wonderful: he reversed the confusion from Babel. He made sure that people from everywhere could hear how much Jesus loves them and how he forgives their sins.
We’re so thankful that God still does this today—uses his Word and the Holy Spirit to help people everywhere learn about Jesus.
Closing Prayer:
Dear Holy Spirit, thank you for helping people hear and understand your Word. Fill us with joy and help us to share the good news of Jesus with others. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What strange sound did the people hear on Pentecost?
(Hint: It sounded like a big wind, but no wind was blowing!) - What appeared above the disciples’ heads?
(Would you be surprised to see fire that didn’t burn anyone?)
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- How did the disciples feel after the Holy Spirit came to them?
(Were they scared, happy, brave?) - What amazing thing did the Holy Spirit help the disciples do with their voices?
(Did they speak in English, or something special?)
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Why do you think God wanted the disciples to speak in different languages?
(Who needed to hear about Jesus?) - In what ways does God show that the good news of Jesus is for all people?
