Kingdom Values SlidesHeart of the Teacher Exploring the Beliefs and Values of Jesus Loving Neighbors "Love the Lord your God with all your heart... and love your neighbor as yourself." — Matthew 22:37-39 Who is a "neighbor"? Everyone. Loving others is the foundation of all other rules. What does it look like to love someone you don't get along with? The Golden Rule "Do to others as you would have them do to you." — Luke 6:31 Empathy Feeling what others feel. Compassion Acting to help those in need. Respect Treating all people with dignity. Radical Forgiveness Jesus taught that forgiveness isn't just a one-time act, but a constant attitude. The 70x7 Rule When asked how many times we should forgive someone, Jesus answered "seventy-seven times" — meaning there is no limit. Values in Action Letting go of anger Giving second chances Seeking reconciliation Service and Humility Washing Feet In one of his most famous acts, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples—a job usually reserved for the lowest servant. "The greatest among you will be your servant." What is Humility? Not thinking less of yourself... ...but thinking of yourself less. Parables and Miracles Parables Simple stories with deep meanings. Jesus used everyday objects (seeds, sheep, coins) to explain complex spiritual values like kindness and forgiveness. Miracles Compassion in action. Most miracles (healing, feeding the hungry) were acts of compassion that proved Jesus' values weren't just words—they were deeds.
Compassion Compass OrganizerCompassion Compass Identifying the Core Values of Jesus Name: Date: Instructions Complete the organizer below by defining each value and providing a specific example from Jesus' life or teachings. Then, brainstorm how this value can be shown today. The ValueDefinition & PromptExample from JesusModern Map (Today)Forgiveness | What does it mean to forgive someone who has wronged you? | | | | Love Your Neighbor | How did Jesus define who our "neighbor" is? | | | Compassion Compass (Continued) Page 2 The ValueDefinition & PromptExample from JesusModern Map (Today)Service & Humility | What is the difference between worldly power and the service Jesus taught? | | | | The Golden Rule | Why is this called "The Golden Rule"? How does it simplify other laws? | | | Core Conclusion Which of these values do you think was most important to Jesus' overall message, and why? Use evidence from your chart above to support your answer.
Sacred Stories Reading GuideSacred Stories Guided Reading: Parables & Miracles NAME: __________________________ DATE: __________________________ Jesus used stories called parables and extraordinary acts called miracles to teach his values. Read the following passages and answer the questions. 1 The Parable of the Lost Sheep "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? ... I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons..." — Luke 15:4-7 Value Check: What does this say about the importance of an individual? How does this story demonstrate forgiveness and compassion? 2 Healing at the Pool One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years... Jesus asked him, "Do you want to get well?" ... Jesus said to him, "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk." At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked. — John 5:5-9 Analysis: Why help someone who had no one else to help them? Which core value (Love, Humility, Service) is most visible here? Synthesis & Application The "Why" Behind the Story Jesus often told parables to people who thought they were better than others. Why might a story about a "lost sheep" challenge people who were proud or powerful? Connecting the Dots How do miracles and parables work together to teach Jesus' values? (Think about "words" vs. "actions"). Quick Challenge In one sentence, write your own modern-day "mini-parable" that teaches the value of Humility.
Heart Teacher Answer KeyTeacher Answer Key Heart of the Teacher Unit Lesson: Jesus' Beliefs Compassion Compass Key Forgiveness Unlimited patience; letting go of anger. Example: The Prodigal Son; "70x7" teaching. Love Your Neighbor Radical empathy; treating all people as family. Example: The Good Samaritan. Service & Humility Servant leadership; others first. Example: Washing the disciples' feet. Golden Rule Reciprocity; simplicity of law. Example: "Do to others as you would have them do to you." Reading Guide Key 1. The Lost Sheep The individual has immense worth; compassion is proactive and joyful. 2. Healing at the Pool Jesus prioritizes the overlooked; service is meeting a specific physical/emotional need. 3. Synthesis: Why challenge the proud? Pride blinds people to their own need for forgiveness; parables force the listener to see themselves as the "lost" or the "neighbor." Instructional Facilitation The "Neighbor" Concept Stress that Jesus defined neighbor relationshipally rather than geographically. This includes people we might consider enemies or outsiders. Miracles as Evidence Use miracles to show that values aren't just ideas—they require physical action and often social risk to help those in need. Discussion Starter: "If Jesus were teaching in our school today, who would be the 'lost sheep'?" Extension Idea: Have students create a 'Modern Miracle' storyboard showing compassion in action.