EMPOWERED Kindness: paid forward (David & Mephibosheth)

2nd Samuel 9:1-7 | One day David asked, “Is anyone in Saul’s family still alive—anyone to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” He summoned a man named Ziba, who had been one of Saul’s servant… The king then asked him, “Is anyone still alive from Saul’s family? If so, I want to show God’s kindness to them.” 

Ziba replied, “Yes, one of Jonathan’s sons is still alive. He is crippled in both feet.”

“Where is he?” the king asked.

“In Lo-debar,” Ziba told him, “at the home of Makir son of Ammiel.”

So David sent for him and brought him from Makir’s home. His name was Mephibosheth; he was Jonathan’s son and Saul’s grandson. When he came to David, he bowed low to the ground in deep respect. David said, “Greetings, Mephibosheth.”

Mephibosheth replied, “I am your servant.”

“Don’t be afraid!” David said. “I intend to show kindness to you because of my promise to your father, Jonathan. I will give you all the property that once belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will eat here with me at the king’s table!”

• David shows kindness to Mephibosheth because his father, Jonathan, showed kindness to David. How did Jonathan show kindness to David? (Check out 1st Samuel 20 if you’re not sure)

• How is receiving kindness linked to showing kindness in this story? Is this true in your life too? Why or why not?

• Who’s kindness does David want to show to Jonathan’s family?

• For David, what did showing God’s kindness look like? What might it look like for you?