Aim

To become aware that Christians believe Jesus has the power to forgive sins.

Lesson

Inform children that this half-term they are going to be thinking about forgiveness within Christianity. There are many similarities between Christianity and Judaism on this issue, but there are some important differences. The most important difference is the Christian belief that Jesus is able to forgive sins.

Share with the children the story of Jesus' healing of the paralysed man.

Note: Jewish teaching only gives people authority to forgive the sins of those who have wronged them personally.

Activity

Following discussion, groups of children could:

• write an account of the incident from the point of view of the paralysed man.
• find out about Joni Eareckson Tada.
• read other Bible stories in which Jesus forgives people's sins.
• write about the kindest thing a friend has done for them.
• decorate the words of the Jesus Prayer.