Jesus Forgives
WELCOME TO WEEK 5
This week we are learning that Jesus loves us so much that he forgives us when we do wrong. This week we will see how much we are forgiven and can grow in our love for God.
BIBLE STORY
Show your child several bills like water or electricity. When we use electricity or water we owe the company money for their service. Until we pay the bill we are in debt for that service. What if one month they told us we did not need to pay but they forgave us that debt? If it was a small amount we would be grateful. What if the amount was really big and would have taken us months to pay but they forgave us the debt. How would we feel? We would be extremely happy. Today we will read a parable that Jesus told about two people whose debts were forgiven.
Read or listen to Luke 7:40-50
How much money did the first debtor owe? (500 denarii)
How much money did the second debtor owe? (50 denarii)
Who was forgiven their debt? (both men)
Who would love the moneylender more?( the debtor who was forgiven more)
What was Jesus teaching Simon? (That when you have been forgiven a lot you will love more, and when you have been forgiven little you love little)
Materials: several utility bills
BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY
Activity
How easy is it for you to forgive? Read the following scenario cards and tell if it would be easy or hard to forgive. What would you do to show them they are forgiven?
Materials: video
Create:
Use a small white canvas and masking tape, write the words “I am forgiven” anywhere on the canvas. Alternative: use a white paper and a white crayon coloring thick letters. Paint the rest of the canvas, or white sheet of paper, any way you like with any color. Once paint has dried remove the masking tape.
Materials: Small white canvas, Paint, Masking tape Alternate Option: white crayon, white paper
ARTS & CAFTS
CRAFT 1
Create a colorful perfume bottle. Cut out the perfume bottle and glue on colorful tissue paper. See this example.
Materials: Construction printed perfume bottle, colorful tissue paper pencil, scissors, glue
CRAFT 2
coloring page
Materials: Crayons or coloring utensil, Printer, Scissors, Glue a piece of paper
FOLLOW-UP
Like the sinful woman, we have much to be thankful for as well. Whether we choose to see our sins as big or small, they are all sins in God’s eyes. He has forgiven us and paid the price for our sins. The sinful woman walked into a room full of important people and knelt before Jesus to wash his feet with expensive perfume.
How can we show God that we love him because He first loves us?
What acts can we show to Him that we are not embarrassed at how big our love is for him because His love for us is greater?
How can I show that forgiveness to others around me?
Practical Application at Home
Read Romans 3:23. It is sad to think that we have all sinned and fallen short of what God wants for us, but God has provided a way for forgiveness. He has sent his son to die for our sins so that we can be forgiven. Even more than forgiving us, God says in Hebrews 10:17 that he will remember our sins and lawless acts no more. Isn’t that good news? No matter what I’ve done, God will forgive me and then not even remember them later! No matter how good we are, we have all sinned and need forgiveness. Take a few minutes to think of some sins you need forgiven. Maybe you have not been kind to your siblings or friends, maybe you have told lies to your parents to keep from getting in trouble, maybe you stole something from a friend or store, maybe you have been disrespectful to your parents, or maybe you have cheated at school or in a game. Ask God to forgive you of your sins.
On a small chalkboard or on the sidewalk outside write down the things you need forgiven. God says he will forgive you and he also says he will remember them no more. Using water or a water hose, wash the chalkboard or sidewalk. Not only has God forgiven you, but He he will not remember the things you did any longer.
Materials: Sidewalk chalk, Chalkboard (optional)
Additional Resources
Outings to Reinforce Lesson
Participation in a food pantry or serving food