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. Recently, two political figures used their influence to do something merciful for others.
In the recent transfer of power between U.S. presidents, both the outgoing and incoming presidents granted pardons to several people. Let’s hear a little bit more about what these presidential pardons mean. Read the following out loud to your students:
“Presidents are granted the authority to issue pardons under Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution… As outlined by the White House, a pardon releases a person from punishment and restores all civil liberties…
A pardon can help eliminate some of the consequences of conviction and restore a person’s civil rights. According to the Justice Department, the offense is not removed from a person’s criminal record when they are pardoned but instead the conviction and the pardon both appear on the record. But the pardon can be helpful in obtaining licenses, bonding or employment.”
Remind students that this is not a discussion of politics. Regardless of whether we agree with politicians or their policies, the history of presidential pardons enables U.S. presidents to offer mercy to individuals facing punishment for their offences.
- How do you think the people pardoned in this recent transfer of presidential power reacted to their pardons? (Answers may include grateful and relieved.)
- Can anyone define the word “mercy”? How could presidential pardons be an example of showing mercy? (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 showing understanding 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.