Forgiveness in Christian Teaching Watch the clip. Then tell your partner what happened, and what Jesus message was. What did the Jews want to do to the woman, and why? What did Jesus say when they asked him about it? Why did the Jews all start to leave when they heard Jesus’ answer? What does this story teach us about why we should forgive others? **Does this mean we should never punish people? Forgiveness in Christian Teaching God’s love is a forgiving love, a saving love. God says – you are forgiven, but don’t sin again! Jesus did not blame people who had sinned, or get angry at them, or criticise them for what they had done. He brought people back to friendship with him – with God, and showed them a better way to live.

The Unmerciful Servant Read the story. What does it teach us about forgiveness? How does it remind you of something in the Lord’s Prayer? Complete the gap-fill of the story & stick it in your book. Write out the line in the Lord’s prayer that teaches the same kind of thing. Explain from this parable, and from the Lord’s prayer, what is Jesus’ teaching about forgiveness. **Do you agree with Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness? Why/ why not?

Exam Q Jesus believed that forgiveness is more important than punishment. Do you agree? Give 2 reasons for. (include evidence: discussion Unmerciful servant parable/ woman stoned in adultery/ teaching of Lord’s prayer) Give 2 reasons against. (eg Law of Moses said “eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth”) Give your own final opinion

Punishment comes before forgiveness How would you best summarise Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness today? Punishment comes before forgiveness If someone breaks God’s law, they must face the penalties Remember that you too are a sinner in need of forgiveness before you think about punishing others It is our duty to punish people for what they have done wrong.