Print off this week's "More to Explore" sheet and use it all week!
The book of Matthew is the first book in the New Testament and was written by Matthew (also called Levi), one of Jesus’ disciples and a former tax collector. The book of Matthew was written to show that Jesus truly is the Messiah, God’s chosen One, spoken of throughout the Old Testament.
Forgiveness isn’t a theme unique to the New Testament. In the Old Testament book of Jonah, God shows us forgiveness on a large scale. He forgives an entire city! Look up Jonah 3:6-10 to see how God demonstrated forgiveness to Jonah and the Ninevites.
What happened when the Ninevites repented and asked for forgiveness?
How can you practice forgiveness in your own life like Jesus showed us?
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There is no limit on the forgiveness we should extend to others. However, that does not mean we abandon wisdom. In fact, the book of Proverbs repeatedly tells us to be wise. Ephesians 5 instructs Christians to walk with the Lord and stay away from sinful actions. If someone chooses to sin against us, we can forgive them and walk away from them and their harmful actions. If someone is hurting you, talk to a responsible adult who can help.
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Talk to Jesus! We can’t do good apart from Him. Ephesians chapter 6 introduces us to the armor of God. We learn that as believers, we should be in constant prayer, asking the Lord to guide us. He will give us the strength we need to extend forgiveness to others.
Write about or act out the parable of the unforgiving servant! (Matthew 18:23-34)
Think about why the servant refused to forgive when his master forgave him. How can you avoid being like the unforgiving servant?
Finish reading the parable of the unforgiving servant. (Matthew 18:21-35)
Compare and contrast the responses of the forgiving master and the unforgiving servant.
