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, a political figure used his influence to do something merciful for someone.
Read the following article to your students.
Colorado governor reduces 110-year prison sentence for trucker convicted in fatal crash to 10 years
When you’re finished reading the news story, discuss the following questions with your class:
- How do you think Rogel Aguilera-Mederos reacted to his reduced sentence? (Answers may include grateful and relieved.)
- Can anyone define the word “mercy”? How did the governor 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 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.