Teaching Plan
Connect
Connect activities get learners ready to learn. Choose one or two of the activities below to introduce this week's lesson.
Fun: What is Forgiveness?
(5–8 minutes, difficult set-up)
Learners will search for quotes that best describe popular viewpoints about forgiveness.
Provide sheets of paper, markers, and tape.
Discussion: Effects of Forgiving/Not Forgiving
(5–8 minutes, easy set-up)
Learners will discuss the physical effects of forgiving or not forgiving others.
Prepare individual strips of paper for each physical characteristic in the list below. Also provide a dry erase board and marker. (For more information on the effects of forgiveness, go to http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/publications/johns_hopkins_health/summer_2014/the_healing_power_of_forgiveness.)
Life and Times: The Healing Power of Forgiveness
(5–8 minutes, easy set-up)
Learners will listen to a story describing the healing power of forgiveness.
For more information on this story, go to http://www.cbsnews.com/news/mother-of-amish-school-shooter-shares-amazing-story-of-forgiveness/.
Relational: Bitter Fruit
(5–8 minutes, easy set-up)
Learners will share life experiences about people who have experienced bitterness.
Explore
Explore activities lead learners to study Scripture. Teach the Key Study to focus on the Biblical Truth. If you choose, support the Key Study with one or two of the following activities.
Interactive Core Study: The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant
(15–20 minutes, easy set-up)
Learners will study Matthew 18:21-35 to analyze God’s forgiveness.
Provide a copy of the Learner Worksheet and a pen for each learner.
Master Teacher Core Study: The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant
(15–20 minutes, easy setup)
Learners will study Matthew 18:21-35 to analyze God’s forgiveness.
Print one copy of the Master Teacher Outline for your use. Also provide a copy of the Learner Worksheet and a pen for each learner.
Context Study: Jewish Law of Forgiveness
(5–8 minutes, easy set-up)
Learners will discuss the Jewish teachings on forgiveness during Jesus’ day.
Closer Look: How Much Did He Owe?
(5–8 minutes, easy set-up)
Learners will calculate how much each debtor owed in today’s currency.
Provide a dry erase board and marker.
Comparative Study: As We Forgive Our Debtors
(5–8 minutes, easy set-up)
Learners will compare Jesus’ instructions on forgiveness from the Lord’s Prayer with this passage.
Provide a dry erase board and marker.
Transform
Choose one or two Transform activities to challenge learners to live differently. Keep in mind that the Holy Spirit ultimately brings about change, so help students draw near to Him.
Discoverers: Seeking God’s Forgiveness
(5-8 minutes, easy setup)
Learners will privately identify areas where they might need to seek God’s forgiveness.
Provide an index card and pen for each learner.
Owners: I Can Forgive
(5-8 minutes, easy set-up)
Learners will discuss their willingness to forgive others.
Provide a dry erase board and marker.
Servants: Forgiveness to Share
(5–8 minutes, easy set-up)
Learners will discuss how receiving God’s forgiveness motivates them to forgive others.
Provide index cards and pens.
Shepherds: From Scars to Pearls
(5–8 minutes, easy set-up)
Learners will discuss how forgiveness can turn the scars of past hurts into pearls of wisdom.
Provide a strand of pearls.
Take Home Activity
The Take Home Activity gives families the opportunity to study the biblical passage together and discuss how each member of the family might apply the truths from the lesson to his or her life.
Family Devotion
(10-15 minutes at home, easy set-up)
Distribute copies of the Family Devotion to students and encourage them to share the devotion with their family.