Do you know someone who is very powerful? Does that mean he or she is physically strong? Or does power mean something else? We can see power depicted in superhero movies or on an athletic field, but sometimes a person’s power can be used to rescue the weak or forgotten. One powerful man in Africa used his influence to do something merciful for a group of helpless people.
Share this video with your students [1:17].
32 Ethiopians Return Home After Being Freed in Egypt
When you’re finished viewing the news story, discuss the following questions with your class:
- How did the freed prisoners react to their rescue? (They were grateful, relieved, and excited to be going back home after their ordeal.)
- Can anyone define the word “mercy”? How did this prime minister use mercy to intervene in this situation? (Mercy means “having the power to punish, but showing compassion or forgiveness toward someone instead.” A political leader might have the power to harm others, but this time, we see someone powerful reaching down to rescue a desperate group instead.)
- Can anyone share when someone of influence has shown you mercy? (Answers will vary, but students might recall a teacher, parent, coach, etc. who withheld punishment and was able to extend forgiveness and care toward them.)
It might seem that mercy and power are on opposite ends of the spectrum, but we’re going to explore the amazing ways that Jesus demonstrates both.
