Wednesday Night Kids Small Groups Materials:

January 22, 2025

<aside> 📖 MEMORY VERSE: Luke 6:36 “Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.”

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Ice Breaker Activity:

• Have the kids work on their word search or coloring page as you get settled in your room.
  • Ask the kids the following questions to begin the time of group discussion:
    • If you could invite any three people (real or fictional) to a big feast, who would you invite and why?
    • Would you rather give away $100 to help someone or receive $100 to spend on yourself? Why?

Discussion Questions:

• Read and memorize today’s memory verse: Luke 6:36
  • Why do you think Jesus spent time with people that others ignored or disliked (like tax collectors, the poor, and sinners)?
    • We learn from the life and ministry of Jesus that God’s salvation is offered even and especially to the outcasts and broken people of the world.
    • Jesus said that it’s the sick who need to be healed — “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:31-32
  • Jesus told stories about generosity, mercy, and forgiveness—can you think of a time when someone was generous, merciful, or forgiving to you?
  • If Jesus visited our school or town today, who do you think he would spend time with, and how can we follow his example?
    • God wants us to see the outcasts and sinners in the same way He sees them — as God’s sons and daughters who are also able to be saved from their sins.

Word of the Week: MERCY

• What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word “MERCY”?
• Definition: Compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.
  • Throughout Luke 9-19 we see the teachings and parables of Jesus pointing out God’s mercy toward all people.
    • The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)
      • Jesus teaches that true love means showing mercy to those in need.
    • The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)
      • The father’s mercy shows that God always welcomes us back to His family no matter what.
    • Jesus Heals Ten Lepers (Luke 17:11-19)
      • Jesus responds to those who ask for mercy with healing and restoration.
  • **Read through and teach any of these well-known Bible stories to help teach what mercy means.

Big Group Lesson [PREVIEW]:

Section 1: Jesus' Big Journey to Jerusalem

Main Idea: Jesus is traveling to Jerusalem, just like Moses led Israel to the Promised Land!

Key Points:

• Jesus and his disciples are on a long trip to Jerusalem for Passover.
• This reminds us of how Moses led God’s people through the wilderness.
• Jesus is also like King David, gathering God’s people into his kingdom.
• He sends his followers ahead to prepare each place for his arrival.

Application:

• Jesus invites everyone to follow him!