Ground Rulz: Week 7

Forgiving others

This resource provides you with a lesson plan, a drama script, songs, activities to teach this lesson effectively, with opportunities for the children to be active in the learning process. You will be provided with lesson plans and extra materials for either a "stand alone teaching experience" or if you are teaching this as part of a whole module. Choose the resources that best suit your situation.

Aim: To teach the children that we should forgive others as we would want them to forgive us!

Bible Text: Matthew 18:21-35

Background Notes: When Peter asked Jesus this question, I’m sure he was asking for someone else, not realising that Jesus had and would continue to be forgiving Peter over and over again. Peter knew the Old Testament ... Show More When Peter asked Jesus this question, I’m sure he was asking for someone else, not realising that Jesus had and would continue to be forgiving Peter over and over again. Peter knew the Old Testament law said “An eye for an eye, and tooth for a tooth” (Lev 24:20). Jesus answers him and states that forgiveness should be unlimited. Then Jesus tells a parable that vividly illustrates the extent of forgiveness that God shows us by his own example. The figure of “ten thousands talents” in modern money runs into millions of dollars. The amount of money is something the average person cannot even comprehend owing someone. But this only illustrates more strongly the extent of human sin and divine forgiveness. What the man was owed by his servant was a pittance in comparison. To then have the servant thrown into jail until he could pay the debt was totally unreasonable. How could he possibly earn any money to pay back the debt in jail? The actions of this unforgiving servant meant that he was found out and thrown in to jail and tortured until he could pay back his loan, a loan we know would be impossible to pay back in his lifetime. Jesus finishes with a warning, that God will treat us the same if we can’t forgive others from our heart. What a scary concept. It certainly helps put things into perspective.

You Will Need: THINGS TO BRING: Shoe - “forgiving others “ written on it, Props for Character Drama, Props for teaching - crown for the king, 2 swords for the guards.