Series Overview
Jesus’ own words tell us why He taught in parables: “Because the secrets of the kingdom of heaven have been given for you to know, but it has not been given to them.” (Matthew 13:11)
The “them” in this verse are those with hard hearts who rejected Jesus; those who wanted to see more signs and miracles but refused Jesus’ message. To you who have eyes to see, the parables are beautiful stories that teach powerful lessons about Jesus being the ONE way to God’s Kingdom!
Lesson Overview
We really love that God is kind to us but we can sometimes think we don’t have to be kind to others. We can even believe God has to treat us with mercy, be we don’t have to treat others with mercy.
But the truth is, showing mercy is a choice we get to make. Even if people treat us like unkindness, we can respond with kind words and actions—this is mercy (undeserved kindness)!
God has made the choice to show mercy to us—and when we choose to follow Him, we can choose to share that same mercy with others!
READ
Matthew 18:21-35
What stands out to you from these verses?
DEFINE
Look up a definition of mercy. Where have you seen mercy in your family?
PRAY
Go on a prayer walk around your neighborhood praying for the needs of you neighbors.
PRAISE
Have a dance party to praise music—praise God for His gift of mercy to each of us!