Key Ideas
Faith Fact
I can share God’s love.
Faith Verse
John 20:21 (NLT)
[Jesus] said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.”
Question of the Day: How can you show mercy?
Read about It
Read: Hosea 6:6; Matthew 9:13
Jesus reminded the Pharisees about an instructive Bible verse from Hosea. As religious leaders, they told others how to act and what to do to be close to God. The Pharisees offered sacrifices and taught the Law. They did certain good things for God. But their hearts were far from God, and it was clear because they weren’t ready to offer mercy. Mercy means to show forgiveness to someone who deserves to be punished.
When these leaders saw Jesus eating with sinners and tax collectors, they couldn’t believe it! Why would Jesus spend time with bad people? Jesus knew that sacrifices and following the Law were good. But Jesus also knew that loving others was even more important. The sinners and tax collectors needed mercy. They needed Jesus more than any sacrifice or good deed. This was a time to put mercy before rules.
Imagine you are playing soccer with your friends. The score is tied, and you are about to score the winning point. But as you are about to kick the ball, you notice someone from the other team has tripped. The kid is hurt. The rules say you should score the goal. But what would mercy tell you to do? Jesus always looks at people first. He loves them. He shows them mercy. Sharing God’s love means sometimes we have to look beyond the man-made rules. We have to look at the person and show love and mercy the way Jesus did.
Talk about It
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Question 1. What did Jesus say the Scriptures tell us to show more than sacrifices? Answer 1. Mercy (Matthew 9:13)
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Question 2. Is it more important to follow man-made rules or show Jesus’ love? Explain. Answer 2. Jesus made it clear that God wants us to show His love and mercy to others. (Hosea 6:6; Matthew 9:13)
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| Question 3. Talk about a situation when you were shown mercy.
Answer 3. Answers will vary.
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| Question 4. How does it feel to receive mercy?
Answer 4. Answers will vary.
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Question 5. How can you show mercy to someone else? Answer 5. Answers may vary. |
Pray about It
Dear Jesus, thank You for the mercy that You have shown me. I know I don’t deserve it. I know I haven’t earned it. Jesus, You are so good! Help me to show others the same mercy that You have given me. Help me to love them as You have loved me. Amen.