We Can Ask For Mercy

We Can Ask For Mercy Hero Image We Can Ask For Mercy Hero Image

For some of us, one of the hardest things to do is ask for help. We like to try and be strong, smart, or resourceful enough to make it through any situation. However, when it comes to our own sin, there’s nothing we can do to get rid of it. Just like a blind man can’t do anything to make himself see, we can’t do anything to fix the darkness in our own heart. We have to admit the great need we have for mercy and humbly ask for it from the only one who can give it: Jesus.

MERCY: Forgiving others even when they don't deserve it!

MEMORY VERSE: But you, O Lord are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.” Psalm 86:15 (NLT)

This Week’s Finish Line: We NEED Mercy

Jesus was on the road headed to Jerusalem, surrounded by people, for the last time before His crucifixion. A blind man named Bartimaeus heard Jesus was coming and called out, asking for mercy. He didn’t care what the people around him thought. He knew Jesus was trustworthy, the Messiah, and the only one who could help him. Instead of passing him by, Jesus heard Bartimaeus and took time to go to him. Jesus showed the man mercy, healed him from his blindness and even let him follow Him to Jerusalem.

Family Questions:

  1. Read Mark 10:46-52. Who needed mercy? Who gave mercy?
  2. When are some times that you need to ask for mercy?
  3. What does this story teach you about Jesus and how he cares for people?

Teacher: Meal Time

As you are sitting around the dinner table begin discussing the topic of mercy. Ask your family to give specific examples of when they need mercy and be honest with them about when you need mercy. We all need it, but how do we receive it? The greatest way we can receive mercy is by asking for it! God desires us to come to Him in honesty about our need for Him. He desires for us to ask for mercy instead of acting like we don't need Him by refusing to ask for His mercy.

Friend: Drive Time

Practice this month’s memory verse while you’re in the car this week! Make it a game to see how many times each person can say it in between stop signs, or before the light turns green. Then practice reciting it by ping ponging each word between everyone in the car until you reach the end of the verse; if someone misses a word, start over!

"But you, O Lord are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness." Psalm 86:15 (NLT)

Counselor: Bedtime

As you are getting your family ready for bed, take a minute to read of God’s mercy in His Word. Bring everyone together to read Lamentations 3:22-23, "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Then pray, thanking God that His mercies are new every morning.

Coach: Anytime

Sometime this week, share your story of mercy with your kids. The story of how God captured your heart, opened your eyes to see your need for Him, and how He revealed His love for you. Tell them how God showed you mercy in His pursuit of you. Be specific with them about when you asked for God’s mercy in your life and how He was faithful to give it. Remember that stories are highly impactful, and your kids will love hearing your story and your confidence in the Lord!

Prayer

Thank God for showing you mercy, calling you near to Him, and opening your eyes when you were blind. Ask Him to help you see Him more clearly this week.

Looking Ahead

Next week we will continue in our trait for June, MERCY!