“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”

Luke 23:32-43

 

Quick Summary

            As Jesus dies on the cross for our sins, he talks to the criminals on either side of him. One of them makes fun of Jesus. The other one has mercy. Mercy means being nice when it seems someone deserves to be treated badly. The man doesn’t judge Jesus or call him names for being on the cross. Instead, the man speaks up and tells the other man not to pick on Jesus. Because he shows Jesus mercy, Jesus promises the man that when he dies, he will go to paradise. Jesus forgives the man’s crime.

The Point

When we show mercy, Jesus shows us mercy. 

Questions for Family Time

1.     What does mercy mean?

a.      When you don’t get something you deserve, like a punishment. When you treat someone well who seems to deserve being treating badly.

2.     How do you show mercy to someone?

a.      You forgive them when they do something against you. You don’t hold their weaknesses against them. (or their reputation)

3.     How did the criminal show Jesus mercy?

a.      He didn’t pick on Jesus for being on the cross, like everyone else was.

4.     How did Jesus show the criminal mercy?

a.      Jesus forgave the crimes of the criminal, and let him go to paradise (heaven).

Deeper

            This week, we are talking about the “Good Friday” story. Next KICK, we will be talking more about the “Easter” story. Good Friday is the Friday before Easter, and the day we remember Jesus’ death on the cross for our sins. It can be a heavy lesson, so this round we are going to be looking at it through the story of Jesus and the criminal who died next to him.

            During the time of Jesus, crucifixion was the worst form of capital punishment that existed. Just like capital punishment in the USA, it was reserved for the worst criminals, usually for terrorists or plotters against the Roman Empire. It was a way to shame rebels and warn others against their crimes. Crucifixion was physically painful, but also broke down the spirit of a person. It was so bad, Roman citizens could not be executed this way. This was the ultimate criminal death.

            On the day Jesus was killed for crimes that the Roman leaders were not even convinced he committed, Jesus was placed between to guilty criminals. One of them sneered at Jesus along with the crowds, “If you really are God-in-the-flesh, get us down from here.”

            But the other criminal, spoke up on Jesus’ behalf, “He is innocent. I deserve to be here for my crimes, but this guy has done nothing to deserve this.”

We believe as Christians, that Jesus was innocent. That on that cross, he died for our crimes, so that we wouldn’t die for them, and get what we deserve.

            For some of us, it is easy to name our crimes. For some of us, our crimes, just as heinous in God’s sight, are easier to hide. I have always done well at hiding my crimes. In fact, I was voted “Teacher’s Pet” in high school, the sure sign I was a “good girl.” But even I have crimes against God…that time as a child I contemplated murdering my annoying brother…those rebellious years when I may have lied to my parents about dating some “bad boys”…those times when jealousy makes me hate people who have done nothing wrong to me. All of us are criminals, because God judges us not only on what we act on, but on the crimes of our hearts and thoughts.

            But Jesus offers us this promise…if we forgive others, he forgives us. When we show mercy, he shows us mercy. On that cross, he did not carry his own sin. He carried the sin of the criminal next to him.  He carried my sin. Not just the obvious stuff, but the secret stuff that racks me with guilt. For each of us who show others mercy, Jesus promises us what he promised that criminal next to him. Paradise. Eternal life with God.

            Jesus offers that to you as well. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. I invite you to a life of mercy through Jesus.

Personal Reflection

1.     Who in your life do you need to show mercy to? What crimes do you need to leave at Jesus cross? Have you allowed Jesus to free you from those crimes?

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”

John 6:1-27

Quick Summary

             With a measly 5 loaves and 2 fish, Jesus feeds 5,000 men plus women and children. He then leaves overnight, and the crowds who were fed go searching for him. Jesus calls them out…he says they are only looking for him for another free meal, and not for what he really has to offer. He can bring their life contentment that no meal will ever touch, because he is the bread of life.

The Point 

Jesus fills our hungry souls, not just our hungry stomachs.

Questions for Family Time

1.     What miracle happened in the story today?

a.      Jesus fed over 5,000 people with one packed lunch!

2.     Why did the people follow Jesus?

a.      For Free Food

3.     What did Jesus give them instead?

a.      Food for their soul, not just their body. He helped them to be happy in a way that money can’t buy.

4.     How has Jesus fed your soul?

a.      He loves me and cares for me. He helps me when I am sad or scared.

Deeper

            The Feeding of the 5,000 is one of those stories told in multiple gospels. This is one of my favorite versions…partly because in this version, a little boy shares his lunch. That’s right. A little boy brings up his sad little sack lunch and Jesus feeds over 5,000 people and has 12 baskets leftover. That’s what Jesus can do when we give him what we have to solve a problem.
           
 There is another part I love. In this version, Jesus ends up with a bunch of hungry followers, who just follow Jesus for their next meal. My husband and I have experienced this every once in a while. You know, when you help someone out, and pretty soon they are using you. Jesus calls the users out. He says, “I know what you are up to…I know you are here so I can just keep feeding you…but I am offering you more than that. I can feed your souls…forever.”

How often I have been one of those followers. God has provided in the midst of my physical need. He provided for Nick and I when we were unemployed, our credit cards were maxed, and all our food was gone. He provided clothes and diapers for Lydia in the midst of the economic crash of 2008. Sometimes, to this day, I find myself praying for my needs and wants to magically be met. Yet in the midst of those prayers,

Jesus calls me out and reminds me that one more shopping trip, one more dinner out, one more…will not satisfy the discontentment in my life. He wants to give me more than just stuff. He wants to give me peace and joy beyond what I can have from this world. Sometimes he doesn’t give me what I ask for, but he always gives me what I need. A new friendship. Compassion for those less fortunate than myself. Confidence that I am loved by God.

As long as we are alive, we will need another meal, another glass of water. But Jesus can fill those needs…those hungers…that reach deeper than a meal. Jesus promises to satisfy the longings of our souls.  

Personal Reflection

1.     What are the deepest desires of your heart that create discontentment? How are you trying to fill them? How would life be different if you asked Jesus to fill them?