Key Ideas
Faith Fact
I can trust God’s plan.
Faith Verse
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT)
Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!
Question of the Day: Why should we show mercy when it doesn’t make sense?
Read about It
Read: John 9:13–23
Sometimes, it’s not easy to understand God’s plan. We often think He should heal in a certain way or restore broken lives in a way that makes sense to us. The Pharisees certainly felt this way. According to them and what they understood from the law of Moses, Jesus shouldn’t have healed this man on the Sabbath. They couldn’t figure out this simple act of mercy that Jesus had shown the man, so they couldn’t rejoice in the man’s healing.
God’s offer to people is mercy. But, mercy is sometimes difficult for us to understand because we look at everything through our understanding. We look to see if someone deserves mercy before we give it, or we blame someone’s brokenness on their choices. God gives mercy as a gift when we ask. Our world is full of people who need compassion. Even when it doesn’t make sense to others, we should show mercy just like Jesus did.
Talk about It
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Question 1. Why did the Pharisees think Jesus wasn’t from God? Answer 1. He healed on the Sabbath. (John 9:16)
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| Question 2. Why do you think that the Pharisees were so confused?
Answer 2. Answers will vary.
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Question 3. Why do you think God has mercy for our brokenness? Answer 3. Answers will vary.
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| Question 4. What are some ways we can show compassion to others?
Answer 4. Answers will vary.
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| Question 5. Why should we show mercy when it doesn’t make sense?
Answer 5. We should see others like Jesus sees them and give the gift of mercy. |
Pray about It
Dear Father, You are a kind and merciful God who heals and loves us. I don’t deserve all that You give me. Thank You for Your mercy toward me. Help me always to show mercy and compassion to others. Even when it doesn’t make sense to others, help me show the same grace and mercy You have shown to me. Amen.