David & Mephibosheth Grade 4/5 Sunday-school Lesson Feb. 19th, 2012 St. Mary Coptic Orthodox Church, Ottawa, ON

What do you notice in these pictures?

Have you ever thought of what it would be like to… Have no legs or arms? Not be able to run and play like other kids? Not be able to feed yourself?

Have you ever thought of what it would be like to… Do you know anyone like that? Feel like no one wants to be your friend? Feel like others think your “weird”? Feel lonely?

DAVID

David and Goliath David & Goliath                                                    “Let the weak say, I am strong“ Joel 3:10

Under God’s care & guidance, David became a mighty king Israel became a great nation!

One day, King David was remembering his best friend Jonathan… David and Goliath One day, King David was remembering his best friend Jonathan… “Is there anyone who is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?”                      “Is there not still someone of the house of Saul to whom I may show the kindness of God?” Servant Ziba “There is still a son of Jonathan who is lame in his feet.” “Let the weak say, I am strong“ Joel 3:10

Yes! Jonathan had a son named Mephibosheth who was lame because he broke both his feet when he was just 5 years old…                      “Let the weak say, I am strong“ Joel 3:10

King David immediately asked his people to bring Mephibosheth to him. David and Goliath                      When Mephibosheth came to David, he bowed down and put his face to the ground.                   

And Mephibosheth bowed down again… “Here is your servant!” “Do not fear, for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father’s sake, and will restore to you all the land of Saul your grandfather; and you shall eat bread at my table continually” “What is your servant, that you should look upon such a dead dog as I?” And Mephibosheth bowed down again… “Let the weak say, I am strong“ Joel 3:10

Memory Verse “What is your servant, that you should look upon such a dead dog as I?”  2 Samuel 9:8 ….Why is he calling himself a “dead dog”?

King David called Ziba, the servant, and told him that from then on: Ziba and all the servants of his household will be servants to Mephibosheth Mephibosheth would now always come to eat at King David’s table, just as if he was one of the king’s sons.                     

Did King David need to show this kindness to Mephibosheth Did King David need to show this kindness to Mephibosheth? Why did he do that? Because he wanted to honour his friendship with Jonathan by taking care of his family Because he loved God so much and wanted to share it with others. Remember, he said: “Is there not still someone of the house of Saul to who I may show the kindness of God?”

David’s actions to Mephibosheth are like God’s actions to us… How are we like Mephibosheth? How must we also be like David? We are imperfect like him; our sin makes us weak and disabled, and we have nothing to offer to the King of Kings! But, God loves us & cares for us like David cared for Mephibosheth. When we humble ourselves before Him and we put all our trust in Jesus, He invites us to dine with Him in His kingdom forever and we become His sons and daughters! We must show the kindness of God to others We should look for the poor, weak, lame, sad, depressed, lonely and hidden to bless them Jesus says to us: “When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just.” -- Luke 14:12-14

We are like Mephibosheth, but we should also be like David… We have to remember that we are no better than anyone else because, in the eyes of God, we are imperfect like Mephibosheth. If we ever feel too proud and like we are better than others, it’s important to remember the verse of today’s lesson and say: “What is your servant, that you should look upon such a dead dog as I?” – 2 Samuel 9:8 ***BUT, also remember that God still loves us soooo much!!! So, we have to love ALL others too and show them this love.

Accept or Refuse the Gift??? Although Mephibosheth may have felt unworthy it didn't mean he should refuse David's gifts. When God offers us forgiveness of sins and place in heaven we may feel unworthy but we will receive these gifts if we accept. God promised us this in Ephesians 2:8, 9 "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast”.   We become Christians not as the result of any effort, ability, good choices or act of service but out of the gratitude for this free gift we will seek to help and serve others with kindness, love and gentleness and not to please ourselves. 

This week we start fasting for Lent Lets focus on: Being happy during hard times, because God loves us and calls us to dine with Him like one of His sons and daughters no matter how imperfect we are! Have a humble heart ***Do good deeds by showing love & kindness, especially to those who may feel *rejected, depressed, or alone*.

Memory Verse “What is your servant, that you should look upon such a dead dog as I?”  2 Samuel 9:8