Is It Fair?

Note to the Teacher

The key phrase in the scripture for this lesson is, “Why isn’t it fair?” The icebreaker invites youth to make an epic emoji story illustrating fairness and unfairness. The discussion encourages students to think about ways they have experienced both mercy and fairness through the lens of the story of Joseph and the faith of the Gentile woman. The activity allows youth to spend time experiencing both confession and mercy, using a prayer station. Times are based on a fifty-five-minute lesson period but may be adjusted.

Icebreaker – Emoji Epic (15 minutes)

This is a team game of “EPIC” proportions. Split students into groups of three or more and give the groups a paper of printed emojis (10 emojis works well). Explain that you expect to hear an “epic” emoji story based on the random emojis assigned. The story is required to have an ending that is fair to all the characters. We suggest randomizing the emojis printed and available, but avoiding emojis that may have inappropriate connotations.

Once each team has presented its story, play a second round using a different set of emojis and require the story to end unfairly for at least one character.

The more outlandish, the better!

Option 1:

For a more random option, consider creating an emoji deck of cards and have team representatives draw their cards randomly.

Option 2:

If your group is small and ten emojis seem excessive, consider five emojis. You can also play a speed round with partners creating an epic in two minutes with a handful of emojis.

Read Scripture (5 minutes)

Our scripture reading today (Genesis 45:1-15; Psalm 133; Matthew 15:10-28) involves the story of God’s mercy. Consider reading the Genesis passage from different translations.

Discussion (15 minutes)

• What kind of adjectives were used to describe Joseph’s brothers’ reaction to finding out that their brother was standing before them?
• How do you think any guilt the brothers had about what they had done showed up in their lives? Explain.
• Have you ever felt that criticism you had received was too harsh? How did you handle it?
• Have you ever offended anyone with your words? How about with your actions? If comfortable, please share with the group. Do you feel different if you purposefully try to offend someone versus unintentionally offending someone? How and why do you think that is?
• Why do you think Jesus had disdain for the Pharisees?

Activity and Discussion (20 minutes)

Take this lesson to the next level by creating a confession prayer station. Have students think about an encounter this week where their words might have been hurtful or where what came out of their mouths wasn’t what they wanted reflected from their hearts. Invite them to write the words spoken on a piece of flash paper. Have pre-printed prayers of confession around the room; ask the students to choose one of the prayers to pray over the words written on the flash paper. When the students are ready, invite them one-by-one to put the flash paper in a metal mixing bowl or coffee can that the leader is holding. When their paper is safely in the can and their hands are moved away, use a lighter to light the flash paper on fire. The paper will burn up and disappear with little to no residue (Mercy).

Points for discussion:

1. What is the difference between fairness and mercy?
2. How did it make you feel to confess what you said and to watch it burn away?

TOTAL TIME: 55 minutes

NEEDED RESOURCES:

• Pre-printed emoji story cards (Consider your choice of emojis in case there is innuendo associated with them.)
• Flash Paper - can be purchased from a magic store or Amazon (PLEASE FOLLOW ALL DIRECTIONS FOR USE AND STORAGE.)
• Lighter
• Marker for each student
• Metal can or mixing bowl
• Pre-printed prayers of confession