Overview:

This lesson explores the theme of confession and forgiveness through the story of David's actions with Bathsheba and Uriah from 2 Samuel 11:1-15. Students will engage in "The Web of Confession" icebreaker, where they pass a ball of yarn while sharing personal experiences of forgiveness or apology, highlighting the interconnectedness of confession and forgiveness. The discussion will focus on key events in David's story, motivations behind his actions, and the implications for Bathsheba and Uriah. For the activity, students will create symbols of confession and forgiveness using art materials, reflecting on how these symbols represent complex emotions and concepts in their own lives.

Icebreaker: The Web of Confession:

Students sit in a circle. The first student holds the ball of yarn, shares a time when they forgave someone after the person apologized or confessed something. Once the student has talked, he/she holds on to the end of the yarn and tosses the ball of yarn to another student across the circle. That student shares an experience and tosses the ball while holding onto a piece of the yarn. This continues until a web of yarn is formed, visually representing the interconnectedness of confession and the need for forgiveness.

Read 2 Samuel 11:1-15.

Discuss:

Can you list the key events that led to David's sin in this passage? If David had acted differently, would he have avoided doing such harm?
Why do you think David made the choices he made in this story?
How do you think Bathsheba and Uriah felt about David's actions?
What are some modern-day examples where people might need to confess their wrongdoings?
What makes confessing a wrongdoing, a mistake, or a sin difficult? What makes confession a different experience when a wrongdoing is said aloud to others and not just internally to oneself?
Do you think David’s actions can be justified in any way? Why or why not?
How important is it for communities to incorporate confession into their worship? What benefits do you see?
Imagine you are advising King David. Create a plan of action for how he could have handled the situation with Bathsheba and Uriah differently.

Activity: Confession and Forgiveness Symbols

If it seems helpful, remind students of the story of David and Bathsheba, focusing on the themes of confession and forgiveness. Discuss how different cultures and religions use symbols to represent complex ideas and emotions.

Bring out the creative supplies and invite students to create their own symbols of confession and forgiveness. They can use clay or playdough to sculpt, draw on paper, or use found objects to create their symbols. Encourage them to think about what shapes, colors, or objects best represent these themes for them.

After they have created their symbols, have students share their creations with the group. Ask them to explain why they chose those particular symbols and what they represent. Facilitate a group discussion about the different symbols created. Ask questions such as, “How do these symbols help us understand the concepts of confession and forgiveness better?” and “Why is it important to have visual reminders of these themes in our lives?”

Close in a manner appropriate to your group.