Bible Study

Have children look up and read each passage, then lead a discussion using the questions below.

1. Zechariah 7:8–10: 

Then this message came to Zechariah from the Lord: “This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Judge fairly, and show mercy and kindness to one another. Do not oppress widows, orphans, foreigners, and the poor. And do not scheme against each other.”

Like Jonah, Zechariah was an Old Testament prophet. He brought this message to God’s people about how they should treat others.   

• Who do you think is the Lord of Heaven’s armies? Jesus.
• Why is it important to judge someone fairly, and how can we do that? To not make a quick decision and to understand a situation and know all the facts. Not to act on rumors or opinions. Ask the Holy Spirit to give wisdom and knowledge.
• How does this verse apply to Joy’s initial reaction to the girl who stole the bicycle in the Superbookadventure? Joy judged Sharon unfairly; it seemed that the principal knew some background and more details about Sharon that caused her to show kindness and mercy instead of punishing her.
• What do widows, orphans, foreigners, and the poor have in common? They all might be looked down upon, overlooked, or seen as not important. They may be taken advantage of or treated unfairly.
• Do you think God values any person over another? No!
• What are we to show one another? Mercy and kindness.

2. Titus 3:5:

He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.

Ask:

• Do we earn or deserve salvation based on anything we do? No.
• Why did God choose to save us? Because of His mercy and loving kindness.
• Is it right, based on what God did for us, to not show mercy or kindness to someone who has wronged us in some way? No — we must show mercy as we have received it — freely. We are to be imitators of God and reflect His character to draw others to Him. We have been washed and given a fresh start spiritually by the Holy Spirit. Because He lives in us, we can show mercy as God does.
• How does this verse apply to the Ninevites? They were wicked and cruel; they did not receive God’s mercy because of anything they did.
• Do you think Jonah ever changed his attitude toward the Ninevites? He felt he was right and justified to be angry with God’s decision not to punish them.

3. James 2:13:

There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when He judges you.

Ask:

• Does this verse surprise you? Why or why not? 
• Can you think of something God has done for us and expects us to do for others? Forgive.
• Why do you think people like Jonah ask mercy from God but don’t want to show mercy to others?
• Is it always easy to show mercy — especially when you don’t particularly care for someone’s ways or attitude?
• How can we show mercy to difficult people; do we have help? Yes, the Holy Spirit in us, God’s fruit is produced in us so we can love and show mercy to others.

Pray: God, Your mercy is for all people. Thank You for showing us mercy even when we don’t deserve it. Help us to freely give mercy and show kindness to others, even when it is difficult. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.