God’s Mercy

What is God’s Kingdom like? In the Summer issue (#68) we gave you a challenge to draw a picture of one of the parables Jesus told about God’s Kingdom. We are so glad that three of you took the time to consider a parable and draw it. Thanks for sharing them with us!

Remember, a parable is a story that shows us every-day examples of something that is important to understand. What was Jesus showing us with these three parables? Let’s look at these pictures and see if we can discover the hidden treasures in them!

Each of these pictures shows someone or something in need. What are they needing? The lost sheep and the lost coin both need to be found. The man who was robbed needed someone to stop and help him. As the scribe told Jesus, the Samaritan was “a neighbor” to him because he “shewed mercy on him.”* (Luke 10:37)

Is Jesus telling us that mercy is important in God’s kingdom? Let’s find out. Mercy is doing good to someone who is undeserving or has caused us trouble. What trouble has been caused to the shepherd… the woman… and the Samaritan? How are they responding to these needs?

How about us? We all have problems in our lives—and people that cause us problems. We all need mercy. Aren’t you glad that God delights in mercy? Let’s be like Him!

The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)

—Janita, age 14

The Lost Sheep (Matthew 18:10-14)

What I learn from this is that God never stops looking for us. When we are lost He helps us find our way again.

—Sarah, age 24

The Parable of the Lost Coin (Luke 15:8-10)

—Laurie, age 14