YEA Lesson Library

Objectives

At the end of this lesson, the students will be able to:

1. State that God is merciful and compassionate with us (as sinners).

2. Explain what mercy and compassion are.

3. Tell how the king held the servant responsible for his debt when he wouldn’t forgive his fellow-servant.

4. Explain that God expects us to forgive and show mercy to others.

Topics & Themes

Forgiveness
Jesus Sets Example
Mercy
Obedience
Parables
Unforgiving Servant
Punishment
Repentance
Sin

Materials Needed

Bible, YEA students’ and teacher’s books, attendance and memory verse chart, stickers, cassette or CD and music player, pencils, compass or circle pattern, heavy cardstock, crayons, scissors, string

Preparation

This age group doesn’t see shades of gray! To them, everything is black or white, right or wrong. They are very concerned about fairness. What happens to one must happen to the other, otherwise the situation is intolerable. Therefore, they will take this parable very much to heart – in some cases, maybe too much so.

Explain that there are consequences for actions. Acts of forgiveness and mercy don’t necessarily wipe out the consequences for sins and mistakes. Be careful to never give a child the idea that if someone hurts them (sexual or physical abuse) that he or she is to turn the other cheek. They must see the necessity of telling an adult who can help. Then they can be taught to forgive that person for their own well-being.

Some students may be very concerned that someone might be thrown into prison for owing money. Explain that this was a common way of getting money from someone who was unable to pay their debt in Bible times.

How to Teach This Lesson

Punishment - Begin with a discussion about different forms of punishment by par- ents for misbehavior. Ask: Has there ever been a time when your parents didn’t punish you as much as you thought they would? Why are parents more lenient in their punishment sometimes? (Discuss.)

Leniency - a relaxation of the rules. Some parents are naturally more lenient than others. They may allow their kids to go to any type of movie. They may allow the kids to make their own decisions about what is right and wrong. Oftentimes this is because the parents don’t want to be bothered or are just too busy to supervise. Other times it is because they are afraid that their kids will not like them. It may not be good for the child if the parents are too lenient.

Mercy - not punishing as deserved. The child may deserve to be grounded for his misbehavior, but the parent has compassion and shows mercy because of his remorse or the circumstances. God chooses to save us by His mercy and not because of any good thing we have done (Titus 3:5).

Fairness - treating each person equally. Fairness is difficult to achieve. Ask: Is it fair for a five-year-old and a 15 year-old to have the same bed time? Is it unfair to make the five-year-old go to bed earlier than the 15 year-old? Circumstances must be taken into account in the matter of fairness. Equally doesn’t always mean the same.

Strictness - the degree to which a parent cuts back on the activities of their child. Strictness is on one end and leniency is on the opposite end. Extremes either way are just as bad and can have catastrophic results.

Natural Consequences - the natural result of an action. If you put your finger on a hot stove, it’s going to be burned. Your parents may forgive you for disobeying them, but they can’t undo the natural consequence. Your burn will just have to heal.

God, Our King - Ask: How does God interact with us? He very strictly wants us to obey His commands, but there is a lot of freedom in living a Christian life. God allows us the freedom to make choices. He is just and fair! Even though there are natural consequences for our sins, God is merciful and forgiving.

Review Questions

1. When we ask God to forgive us, what does He do?

2. What does it mean to show mercy? Compassion?

3. What lesson should we learn from the parable of the unforgiving servant?

4. Why does God expect us to forgive people who sin against us?

Teacher-Directed Activity

Create a color wheel. Using a compass or circle pattern, have each student draw a 6 inch circle on heavy card stock. Cut out the circle. Divide the circle into thirds (starting at the center). Color one-third blue, one-third red, and the last third yellow. Write the word “Repentance” on one third, “God’s forgiveness” on another third, and “Our forgiveness to others” on the last third. Close to the center, poke two holes large enough to run an 8 inch piece of string through. Bring the string through both holes. Holding the ends of the string on both sides of the circle, twist the string back and forth between your fingers. This will spin the wheel causing the colors to blur into one another. Explain that this shows how repentance and our forgiveness toward others is closely connected to the forgiveness we receive from God our Father.

REACH Activity

Word Study: Chesed (kheh’-sed)
The word “kind” in the YEA lesson memory verse, Proverbs 11:17, is from the Hebrew word which can alternately be translated “merciful.” The translatation “lovingkindness” in the King James Version comes the closest to the full meaning of the word. It is most frequently used in terms of God’s attitude towards His covenant people.

So apply the idea of God’s lovingkindness in the memory verse. What attitude benefits a man? Not merely kindness, but a loving kindness, a love with mercy.

* Word Study notes are taken from Spiros Zodhiates’ Hebrew-Greek KJV Key Word Study Bible and Lexicon.

Did You Know?
The standard teaching within Judaism (based on Job 33:29-30; Amos 1:3; 2:6) was that three instances of forgiveness reflected a forgiving spirit. Peter’s offer to more than double that number was generous, probably reflecting his desire for the completeness the number seven usually represented. Jesus’ response—in essence that Peter was to forgive countless times—was astonishing. (Source: NIV Archaeological Study Bible, p. 1593.)

Music Notes: Blessed Be The Tie That Binds
This hymn is found on page 73 of the CEM Hymnal. John Fawcett (1740-1817) composed the words when he and his wife, Mary, were called to minister in a large parish in London. They had built such firm bonds with the poor peasant parishioners of Wainsgate that they could not bear to leave. As a result, the Fawcetts gave up a much higher standard of living. The event sparked a sermon based on Luke 12:15: “A man’s life consists not in the abundance of the things he possesses.” John Fawcett closed his sermon with the words that became “Blest Be the Tie That Binds.” (Source: Amazing Grace, Osbeck, K., p. 66.)

One of the greatest of possessions is a close friend in the Lord. Psalm 133 says: “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!” Pick the connections in verses one, two, and three; i.e., the fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above; the sharing we do with each other to encourage and exhort in the Lord.

Hebrews 13:1 “Keep on loving each other as brothers.” There’s no room for misunderstandings when brethren truly love each other with this godly love. 1 John 2:10: “Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble.”

When we are together, God promises to be with us. Matthew 18:20: “Where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” All of the sharing, encouragement and love points us to God’s Kingdom, so that even when we do leave each other (weekly and ultimately), we look forward to meeting again.

Journal Jot
Sometimes it is really hard to show “chesed” (see Word Study) to the people around us, especially our family. Why? What is it that keeps us from being loving and kind? Think about it. Pray about it. Search your heart and be as honest as you can. If you truly don’t know, read James 4:1-3. See if that helps you get an idea. Then write down what causes your attitude and what you should do about it.

Back to the Bible
Each verse in Matthew 5:1-12 begins with the word “blessed.” What does it mean to be “blessed”? Use your Bible and Bible reference books to find the meaning and then write it in your Bible notebook. Read these Scriptures, also called the Beatitudes, substituting the meaning for blessed at the beginning of each verse. Do the verses sound the same or different? In your Bible notebook write about this experience.

Jesus Christ was speaking to a multitude of people, including His disciples. (Can you name them? See Matthew 4:18-22.) Delivering His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus explained to the crowd what kind of reward would be theirs if they had a certain attitude or behavior while living a Christian life. Jesus’ lessons are also for you. For example, if you are poor in spirit, showing humility or being humble, then the Kingdom of Heaven will be yours (Matthew 5:3). When you choose to live your life according to the Word of God and His Son, Jesus Christ, others will learn by your example. People will usually remember your “attitude(s)” before they remember your “words.” However, this does not mean that your words cannot be comforting or merciful. Read the rest of the Sermon on the Mount. What other “be” attitudes did you find in these verses? What are the results of these attitudes? Can you think of words and actions to match the Beatitudes? Write them in your Bible notebook. Share with family or Sabbath School class.

Just Toolin’ Around
Using your Bible and a concordance, find and read at least two more Scriptures that tell of Jesus’ mercy and forgiveness toward others. Choose one to teach to your family or Sabbath School class.

Stretch It Out
Buy some magnetic strips at your nearest office supply store. These can be cut into any sizes, but they are available in business card size—which is perfect for this craft. Using a piece of card stock the size of a business card, make a refrigerator magnet that tells someone how very special they are to you. A two-dimensional magnet can be done with markers, colored pencils, glitter, etc. You may choose to make the magnet three-dimensional. If so you’ll also need glue, construction paper, scissors.

Questions?
Remember to write any questions that you have in your notebook. That way you will remember to ask your parents, teacher, or minister.

Song

“I Will Sing Of The Mercies Of The Lord Forever” is on page 17 of Kids Classics Collection.

Closing Prayer

Lead the students in thanking God for His mercy and compassion. Encourage them to ask for His help in forgiving others, in showing compassion and mercy to them.