To Study: 2
Samuel 4:4; 9:1-13.
To Read in class: 2 Samuel 9:1-13.
Memory Texts:
Younger: Romans 5:8 "God commendeth his love toward us, in that,
while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
Older: 1 John 4:10. "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that
he loved us,
and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins."
OBJECTIVES: To Teach that:
1. The sins of individuals can cause repercussions in the lives of their
descendants.
2. The condition in which the sinner is found is: at a distance from God,
poor, fearful, useless due to a fall and a future without hope.
3. The desire to show mercy originates in the heart of God.
4. The principle of mercy is to treat someone with kindness, when it is not
deserved.
5. God’s blessing is complete and free. He first seeks and finds individuals
and then seats them at a richly supplied table.
SCENE 1. (I-15) VISUAL AIDS: In the
palace, figures of David speaking to a servant and Siba. Inset: Figures of
Jonathan delivering his belongings to David when they made a pact of
friendship.
DEVELOPMENT:
- The desire is born in the heart of David the king to seek and bless one
who had been his enemy.
- David asks, "Is there yet any … left of the household of Saul?" (v.1).
- David wants to show him "the kindness (grace) of God".
- He uses his servants to carry the message that will put into effect his
good desire.
Cns. Today, teachers should regard themselves as servants of the King,
occupied in the mission of
taking the message of invitation to needy ones such as Mephibosheth.
- Given his condition and his situation, Mephibosheth himself does not dare
to draw near to David.
- David prepares the way for Mephibosheth to be in his presence.
Apl. The attitude of David is a reflection of the heart of God towards the
sinner. David exemplifies
the love of God mentioned in 1st John 4:10.
SCENE 2. (J-8) VISUAL AIDS. Near the
Jordan River on the way to Lodebar in the land of Gilead. Figure of
Mephibosheth’s nurse fleeing with him in her arms. This figure is changed
for one of the child falling to the ground.
DEVELOPMENT:
Cns. Mephibosheth is a type of the sinner who is the object of the mercy of
God.
- Mephibosheth’s problem is due to two factors: 1. A fall, and 2. the family
to which he belonged
which had been against David.
- Because of his fear, Mephibosheth hides from David, the very person who
can help him.
Apl. In the beginning, when Adam was created, he was destined to have
lordship over the earth.
Cns. Since Mephibosheth belonged to the royal family, he was destined to
rule. However, he had lost the right to govern, due to the sin of his
grandfather Saul.
Cmt. Adam fell into sin and lost his right to reign. In this condition he
hid from God in fear, just as
Mephibosheth hid from David.
Cns. Mephibosheth had suffered a fall and was living in a deplorable
condition, “hiding” from David.
Apl. The human race lost its right to govern on account of sin. See "All
have sinned and come short (are destitute) of the glory of God" (Rom.3:23).
Cns. Rom. 5:12, 18-19 teaches that Adam’s sin had repercussions on his
descendants.
Cns. The obedience of the Lord Jesus has repercussions on His "descendants"
(Rom. 5:18 -19).
- Mephibosheth and his family were going to be blessed through David.
Apl. The sinner is of no use to God until he receives new life and is made
fit to be in God’s presence and able to serve Him.
- Poor and unknown to most, Mephibosheth lived on the east of the River
Jordan, in Lodebar, a
"Place of no Pasture", near the desert.
- Mephibosheth lived in ignorance of David’s plans. Someone had to take him
the good news.
Apl. The sinner is far from God and unaware that God wants to bless him. For
this reason the good
news of salvation must be taken to him.
- Mephibosheth had nothing. He lived in someone else’s house. He was
destitute.
Apl. The sinner is “short (destitute) of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23).
- Lame on both his feet, Mephibosheth could do nothing to better his
situation.
Cmt. The teacher can refer to what is described in Romans 3:12 where an
“x-ray” of the sinner
reveals the effect of sin on the human race. “They are together become
unprofitable".
- Due to his handicap, Mephibosheth could not even dream of offering himself
to David as a soldier,
guard, messenger or helper of any kind.
- While he was still in this condition, a message of hope reaches him.
Apl. Teachers will no doubt become enthused about the gospel message
presented in this story. It is a privilege to communicate a note of hope to
students who are far from God.
SCENE 3. (I-22) VISUAL AIDS. In the
palace, figures of David seated on the throne and Mephibosheth prostrate
before him. Change this figure for one of Mephibosheth kneeling but looking
into David’s face.
DEVELOPMENT:
Cmt. The teacher ought to take the students step by step through
Mephibosheth’s experience.
a. Mephibosheth was found (v.4).
Apl. God knows where each one is.
b. In the condition in which he is found, he is shown kindness for
Jonathan’s sake.
Apl. God does not expect the sinner to better himself, for he can nothing do
to achieve this end.
c. David paves the way so that Mephibosheth can draw near to him without
hindrances.
Apl. The way of salvation has already been prepared so that the sinner can
draw near to God.
d. Mephibosheth is encouraged and told not to fear (vv.6-7).
Apl. Often when the Lord Jesus talked with persons mentioned in the New
Testament, his first words were “Fear not”.
e. Mephibosheth is informed about David’s plans for him and his possessions.
Apl. In the gospel the sinner receives a message of hope. It comes from God
and tells what God
wants to do for us.
f. Mephibosheth receives many blessings and benefits, all due to David’s
goodness.
Apl. Mephibosheth would feel greatly blessed and privileged, for David
assures him that he has a
place reserved for him at the table of the King himself.
Cmt. The teacher should prepare a list of the blessings and privileges that
belong to those who are
saved. These can include access to the Throne of Grace in prayer, the honour
of being made a
child of God, the ability to receive instruction from God, and the privilege
of fellowshipping with
others who are the people of God.
Lsn. Three stages in the life of Mephibosheth are similar to three steps in
the life of a saved person.
In the past. Sadness, abandonment, fears (v.7).
In the present. Preferential and merciful treatment.
In the future. Permanent provision, supplied always from the table of the
Lord.
SCENE 4. (I-19) VISUAL AIDS. Palace dining
room and figures representing the abundant provision that Mephibosheth would
now enjoy. Inset: Figures of David with Mephibosheth at a table and the
words, ACCEPTANCE, PROVISION, PROTECTION, SECURITY.
DEVELOPMENT:
- Besides the provision of daily food, it was a great honour to be seated at
the table with the king.
- The future of Mephibosheth depended on David and his power as king.
Apl. The sinner that accepts the invitation to the table of salvation enjoys
the provision of eternal life. His future is guaranteed.
- Mephibosheth was always to be present at the kings’ table according to the
unbreakable word of the David. No one could deny him that privilege.
Apl. Every blessing Mephibosheth received was because of:
1. David’s desire to favour an unworthy person. (Mephibosheth called himself
a "dead dog".)
2. Hearing and believing the message.
3. Coming in faith and humility to receive a complete provision for the
present and the future.
- His crippled legs, a source of embarrassment and a sign of his
limitations, were hidden under the
table.
Ctr. There will be no trace of sin in our new bodies in heaven.
- Mephibosheth formed part of the family, like a legitimate son of the king.
Sug. The teacher should encourage the students to think about how valuable
it would be for
Mephibosheth to learn from the king and listen to his advice. Then apply
this to what the
Christian can experience through reading the Bible and listening to teaching
in Bible classes.
Cns. The Christian is even more privileged because he is able to talk
directly to the Lord at any time, unlike Mephibosheth who was with David
only at mealtime. At times David would not have been present, since he would
have to go out to attend to matters of the kingdom.
Note:
The principle of how to act in faith is clearly illustrated in this story
a) The desire to do something for Mephibosheth began in David’s heart.
b) David communicated his intentions through a messenger.
c) The terms were made clear to Mephibosheth. "Go to the king. David has
sent for you."
d) There were unknown details in the call, for Mephibosheth was unaware of
the blessing that awaited him.
e) Although David provided everything, Mephibosheth had to respond to the
call and accept the invitation.
f) He drew near in humility and faith.
g) He received an abundant provision. See Ephesians 3:20.
Cmt. All that David placed at his disposal would have been useless to
Mephibosheth had he, after 1) Listening and even 2) Believing, 3) Did not
Act! |
