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The Quality of Mercy

Album:

Episode: 23

Lesson/Theme: Mercy.

Bible Verse: Matthew 18:21-35

Characters: Tom

Writer: Paul McCusker

Sound Designer: Bob Luttrell

Original Air Date: April 23, 1988

Last Air Date: January 1, 1987

Description:
Duuuum-de-dum-dum! The city is Odyssey. Young Scott Williams is nabbed by Officer David Harley for trying to steal apples from Tom Riley's farm. Scott breaks a fence in the process, and Tom figures the damage comes to about $30. Scott professes poverty and begs Tom to forgive the debt, which Tom does. But instead of passing the favor along, Scott immediately hunts down Robb Holt and demands repayment of a $2 loan. Robb only has $1, so Scott throttles him and pushes him into a stack of garbage cans. Tom Riley hears of this and has Officer Harley find Scott and bring him back to the farm. Once there, Tom tells Scott to fix the fence and pick up all the apples around the area to pay back the debt he owes Tom. Scott protests that Tom said the debt was clear! It isn't fair! But Tom says he's being as fair with Scott as Scott was with Robb Holt. When Tom adds that Scott's father agrees, Scott realizes that he's run out of appeals. He groans loudly, then picks up the hammer and nails and begins making restitution.

Questions:
What does it mean to forgive someone? How many times does Jesus say to forgive your neighbor? Describe a time you have shown, or failed to show, someone mercy.