Aim

To explore the theme of punishment. To consider Jesus' attitude towards punishment.

Preparation

Before the lesson, photocopy one worksheet for each child. Familiarise yourself with the story of the woman taken in adultery (John 8:1-11).

Lesson

Begin lesson by asking children to describe what happens when they do wrong at home and at school?

• Are the punishments, to which they are subjected, fair?
• Do they work?
• Can they avoid punishment by saying sorry?

Now it is their time to mete out some punishment of their own, by completing the worksheet.

Discuss what is the 'right' punishment in each case.

For an alternative viewpoint on the subject of punishment, share with them Jesus' encounter with the woman taken in adultery. As well as being a sin, going off with someone else's husband was also considered, at that time, to be a very serious crime, punishable by death.

What do the children think of this as a way of dealing with people who commit crime? From this story, do the children think Jesus believes in punishment?

Jesus told His followers that more than the punishment of man, they should fear the punishment of someone else.

"Fear Him who, after the killing of the body, has the power to throw you into hell."

What are the children's ideas of Hell? What is it like? What happens there?

Christians believe that sinning is like turning your back on God. On Earth, it is possible to turn back to face Him, at any time, by saying sorry. In Hell, this is not possible because He is not there. For Christians that is the true nature of the punishment.

Conclusion

Conclude lesson by encouraging the children to reflect on the people to whom they should say sorry for the things which they have done.

Teachers' Notes

Be aware that there are likely to be considerable differences in the punishments deemed appropriate by parents. Tread particularly carefully if you think that there is someone in the group who is being very strictly disciplined, or physically reprimanded, by an overzealous parent.

The Biblical quote about Hell is taken from a speech in which Jesus is actually encouraging His followers, following his disputes with the Pharisees. The apostles were naturally concerned about their own safety, as the Pharisees had the power to punish those who associated with Jesus. I reproduce the whole speech below for your information.

To my friends I say: Do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. I will tell you whom to fear: fear Him, who after he has killed, has the power to cast into Hell. Yes I tell you, fear Him. Can you not buy five sparrows for two pennies? And yet not one is forgotten in God's sight. Why, every hair on your head has been counted. There is no need to be afraid; you are worth more than hundreds of sparrows.

This concept of God as Loving father and Judge is at the heart of Christian belief.