Optical Illusions

Teacher’s Note: During the Lesson Content portion, it is suggested to show a short video of the Curved Card Illusion. If you cannot or choose not to show the video, you could purchase a pack of Curved Card Illusion tracts and conduct the illusion live. When you are finished, you could give each student in attendance a copy of the tract for them to use as they have Gospel conversations. A link for purchasing these tracts can be found in the Resources and References section.  

If you don’t have the time to purchase these tracts and can’t show the video, you could make your own version of the illusion using cardstock and a pair of scissors.  

Teacher’s Note: The Hook for this lesson requires you to play a video and there are two options available.  

The host of the first video shows the Ames Window illusion, then attaches a Rubik’s Cube to it to exaggerate an optical illusion. A ruler is inserted through the middle of the window to enhance the illusion even more as he explains what is happening. 

The second video is without explanation but is a good visual of how the brain perceives the oscillation of the window even though the eye can see that the record player under the Ames Window is clearly rotating, not oscillating. 

These videos can be used at your discretion. You can show one or the other, but, if you prefer, you could show the first video so the explanation is given and then show the second video so the students can focus on the illusion. 

If you do not have access to these videos or choose not to show either of them, you could display the simple optical illusion picture included at the end of the PowerPoint. (You will need to adjust the PowerPoint as needed to do this.)  

Or you could print the paper copy of the image included at the end of this lesson and adjust the Hook as needed. Feel free to do your own research and show some of your favorite optical illusions in lieu of using the provided illusions. 

If you have a lot of time, you could create your own Ames window and hang it in your youth room. If you choose to do this, there is a corny video in the Resources and References section that will teach you how to make it. In addition, you could decorate your room with a variety of optical illusions so the room decor will match the lesson. 

Raise your hand if you enjoy optical illusions. [Allow for a few responses.] Many people enjoy optical illusions because it can be entertaining to try to figure them out. Check out this clip of an amazing optical illusion; it is called the Ames Window. 

Teacher’s Note: Play one, or both, of the following video clips so the students can see the Ames Window illusion: https://teachersource.wol.org/resource/SBS25/40-2/ or https://teachersource.wol.org/resource/SBS25/40-3/. 

The crazy part of this optical illusion is the fact that even if you understand the explanation of what is happening, your brain still cannot comprehend what your eyes are seeing. The optical illusion deceives your eyes, telling them something that is not true.  

The topic of today’s lesson is like an optical illusion, only much more sinister, because it’s not entertaining at all. If you have been with us for the first three lessons of this series, you will know that today’s lesson is the final lesson in a four-part series entitled [Show the PowerPoint slide with the module title.] Puzzled: Parables that Make You Think. 

In the first lesson, we spotted the difference as we studied the wise builder and the foolish builder and discovered that obedience makes all the difference. 

In the second lesson, we unscrambled the parable of the two sons and learned that real repentance brings real obedience.  

In the third lesson, we escaped the maze of self-righteousness as we studied the parable of the two worshipers and learned that humility recognizes the need for God’s mercy. 

In this lesson, [Show the PowerPoint slide with the lesson title.] we will see a sneaky illusion of sin as we learn from the parable of the two debtors. When we are finished, we will discover that forgiveness sparks the expression of love. [Show the PowerPoint slide with the Sticky Statement.] 

So, please turn in your Bibles to Luke 7:36-39 as we get ready to read our passage. [Allow time for students to turn to this passage.] We will read Jesus’ parable in a moment, but the first section we will read gives us the context for that parable. [Read Luke 7:36-39

Luke 7:36–39 ESV

36 One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee’s house and reclined at table. 37 And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, 38 and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.”

Remember, a parable is a made-up story. What is described in Luke 7:36-39 actually happened. This was the setting for when Jesus would tell His parable.  

To make sure we understand the context, can somebody please tell us the specific setting of this passage? Where was Jesus in this account? [Allow students to answer something like “at a dinner table” or “in the home of a Pharisee named Simon.”] 

Jesus was at a dinner table in the house of a Pharisee named Simon. (A Pharisee was a religious leader of the Jews.) While he was eating, suddenly, dinner was interrupted when a woman entered. She never spoke a word, but simply demonstrated several unique actions that were meant to be seen as worship of Jesus but were clearly misinterpreted by Simon.  

We will focus on the actions of the woman a little later, but for now, let’s focus on the thoughts of Simon, the host of the evening. Was he pleased with what the woman did when she entered the house? [Wait for responses.] 

No, he was upset! In fact, he wasn’t just upset with the woman; his emotions spilled over onto Jesus as well. He questioned Jesus’ position as a prophet because Jesus didn’t stop the woman from her unusual display of affection and worship. Keep in mind that this display of love for Jesus was not romantic in any way. The woman was simply expressing her genuine love for Jesus. Again, we will discuss the woman’s actions a little later, back to Simon.  

If you paid attention, the text gives us an important detail about Simon’s emotions. He kept his thoughts to himself. He never articulated the words he was thinking. Through his silence, he was able to maintain a sneaky mirage. 

Does anyone know what a mirage is? [Allow for a few responses.] A mirage is a naturally occurring optical illusion in which light rays bend via refraction to produce a fake image of distant objects or bodies of water. Here is a picture of what a mirage might look like. [Show the PowerPoint slide of the mirage.]  

Maybe you’ve seen one in a movie or television show. Mirages are often seen in real life by someone lost in a desert or similar hot environment. A desert mirage gives the illusion of a refreshing pool of water just a few dunes away, but when you get there, you just find more sand. 

Sin has this same sneaky ability to project what appears to be right, but in reality, it’s all deception; it’s all a mirage. And Simon, in his silence, found himself stuck in the middle of three sneaky illusions of sin. [Show the PowerPoint slide with the first point of the outline.] 

The Sneaky Illusions of Sin 

Simon’s outward actions demonstrated that he respected Jesus. He invited Jesus to his house. He had a meal prepared for Jesus when He arrived. It appeared that Simon desired to learn from Jesus. 

But when he saw what the woman did with the fragrant oil, he internally questioned if Jesus really was Who he thought He was. Outwardly, Simon maintained his mirage of approval by staying silent. But, in his mind, he condemned both the woman and Jesus! 

Simon’s behavior tells us that he had fallen for the first of three illusions of sin found in our passage. He had fallen for the Illusion of Conduct. [Show the next subpoint of the outline on the PowerPoint slide.] 

The Illusion of Conduct (Luke 36:39-40) 

The Illusion of Conduct puts on a good outward show, but the inward thoughts don’t match the outward facade. Those fooled by the Illusion of Conduct believe that if they do good things, then they are a good person. It is all about what others see on the outside. What they think in their minds and who they are on the inside is of little importance compared to how others perceive them.  

Many of the religious leaders at the time when Jesus was on Earth were known for their pious deeds. Because of the Illusion of Conduct, many of the interactions that Jesus had with these religious leaders resulted in conflict. The Pharisees were fooled into thinking that their actions made them right with God, but Jesus consistently called them out on their hypocrisy. 

Those in Simon’s house that day simply saw a good man who hospitably invited a rabbi to his house for a meal. They didn’t know the negative thoughts that he had for Jesus, and Simon wasn’t about to show any negativity outwardly; he had to save face. 

Even when Jesus spoke directly to him, he maintained his mirage with a respectful answer. Listen to what happened next; by next, we mean immediately after Simon had his negative thoughts about Jesus and the woman. [Read Luke 7:40

Luke 7:40 ESV

40 And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered, “Say it, Teacher.”

Can you see the Illusion of Conduct on display? Even though he had just thought, (and we are paraphrasing here) “This guy isn’t a prophet! If He was, He would not let that sinner-woman touch Him,” his response to Jesus outwardly was (paraphrasing again), “Teacher, go ahead and ask your question.”  

Inwardly, he condemned Jesus (“He is not a prophet.”); outwardly, he confirmed Him (“Teacher!”). It was all a show; it was the Illusion of Conduct. 

Part of what makes the Illusion of Conduct so convincing is that it is often coupled with the Illusion of Comparison. And Simon fell for this illusion, too. [Show the next subpoint of the outline on the PowerPoint slide.] 

The Illusion of Comparison (Luke 7:37, 40-42; Romans 3:23) 

Would someone be willing to re-read Luke 7:37 for us? [Choose a volunteer and allow time for Luke 7:37

Luke 7:37 ESV

37 And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment,

She was called a sinner. The Bible doesn’t give us the specifics, just that she either had a bad reputation or, at the very least, Simon considered her to be a sinner. It is in this thought that Simon had fallen for the sneaky Illusion of Comparison. 

The Illusion of Comparison deceives us into thinking, “As long as I’m better than other people, I must be okay.” The Illusion of Comparison highlights the sin of others and minimizes personal sin. The sin of others always looks bigger than ours when we compare. This is because we usually find people who we consider “bigger sinners” to compare ourselves to. “As long as my sin doesn’t look as bad as their sin, I’m good!”  

Typically, if we can’t compare ourselves to someone personally, we point to someone in history who was known for great atrocities to make our sins seem insignificant. We’ll say things like, “Well, I can’t be that bad. At least I’ve never murdered anyone!” or “At least I’m no Hitler!” 

In fact, this is often the first line of defense that people give against the guilt of their own sin. They quickly point out all the “big” sins that they’ve never committed. But comparison is all an illusion; sin is sin. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). 

Teacher’s Note: If desired, show the following optical illusion video to illustrate the concept of one thing looking bigger than the other. It is suggested that you play this video without sound to avoid the corny “Muffin Man” song that plays in the background: https://teachersource.wol.org/resource/SBS25/40-5/. 

If you have chosen to purchase the curved illusion tracts, show the students the illusion using the tracts. One of the curved cards looks bigger depending on how you view them.  

If you can’t show the video or hold up the cards, show the Optical Illusion pictures included in the PowerPoint at the end of this lesson and explain the illusion that one looks bigger than the other. 

Jesus wasn’t fooled by Simon’s Illusion of Conduct or his Illusion of Comparison. Jesus perceived Simon’s thoughts and responded to him as if he had actually spoken the words aloud. His response was in parable form. 

One last time, let’s remind ourselves what a parable is. [Show the PowerPoint slide with the definition of the word “parable.”] A “parable” is “an earthly story with a heavenly meaning which places what is known beside the unknown for the purpose of comparing or contrasting vital truths.”  

Beginning in verse 41, Luke records the made-up story that Jesus told to teach His point; this story was a response to Simon’s critical thoughts. Listen to Jesus’ story. [Read Luke 7:40-42a.] 

Did you notice how Luke worded verse 40? “And Jesus answered.” The word “answered” implies a response to something that was said earlier. Simon had only thought his comments about the woman and about Jesus; he never verbalized them. So, imagine how Jesus’ story would have landed in Simon’s mind when the parable was finished. “Did He just read my mind?” 

Let’s see how much you remember about the parable we just read. 

How many characters were in Jesus’ story? [Allow for a few responses.] 

There were three, one creditor and two debtors.  

What is one thing that the two debtors had in common? [Allow for a few responses.] Both owed a large debt that they could not pay. 

What was another thing that the two debtors had in common? [Allow for a few responses.] Both had their debts forgiven by the creditor. 

What was the difference in the debt that was owed? [Allow for a few responses.] 

One owed ten times as much as the other. 

Because we don’t use the same monetary system that was used in Jesus’ day, think of it in terms of daily wages. A denarius was the typical daily wage. So, one guy would have to work for a minimum of fifty days to pay off his debt while the other would have to work for more than a year and four months to pay off his debt. 

Teacher’s Note: The following illustration uses the US dollar. If you are teaching in a setting in which a different currency should be used, be sure to use the currency that your students would best understand. 

To keep the ratio the same and put it into modern-day American monetary terms, let’s say that the first debtor owed $50,000 and the second owed $5,000. Both debts are huge! But, it might be tempting for the second guy to say, “Wow, my debt isn’t as bad as that debt! I must be doing all right!” 

At first glance, this parable seems to just be talking about debt forgiveness. But remember, Jesus’ parables are supposed to make us think. As we consider this parable further, we come to understand that Jesus was addressing a third sneaky illusion. 

The Illusions of Conduct and Comparison are often accompanied by the Illusion of Complacency. Once again, Simon was deceived by this illusion, too. [Show the next subpoint of the outline on the PowerPoint slide and read it to the students.] 

The Illusion of Complacency (Luke 7:44-47) 

The Illusion of Complacency can be spotted any time someone starts believing that the bad things they do are not really that bad. God gave us a conscience to know right from wrong, but when our consciences grow hard, we tend to go soft on our sin. 

After telling His story, Jesus addressed the complacency found in Simon’s life. As we continue to read, remember, the “made-up” story is only found in verse 41-42a. Beginning in Luke 7:42b, the events recorded for us actually happened. So, let’s pick back up at the end of Jesus’ story and continue. [Read Luke 7:42b-43.] 

Since we know that Simon was already fooled by the Illusions of Conduct and Comparison, when Jesus said, “You have rightly judged,” you can imagine that Simon may have been pleased with himself. Jesus made him look good in front of his guests.  

But this feeling would quickly dissipate as Jesus connected His parable with the events that had just taken place (and events that should have taken place) in Simon’s house. Let’s continue. [Read Luke 7:44-47

Luke 7:44–47 ESV

44 Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. 46 You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. 47 Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.”

Imagine the awkward silence when Jesus was finished! Do you remember the setting of the parable? It was dinner at Simon’s house. In reality, Simon hadn’t been a very attentive host. He let his indifference toward Jesus affect his hospitality.  

His complacency exposed his failure to act properly. He had compared himself to this “sinner” but neglected to recognize his own neglect. His Illusions of Conduct and Comparison led to the Illusion of Complacency. 

The same thing can happen to our ability to determine right from wrong. We can begin to grow apathetic toward sin, being satisfied with only a part of our life being godly. But there is danger in settling for “mediocre” righteousness. 

Complacency toward sin allows sin to slowly take over our lives, pushing out the areas of growth and excellence that are possible. It may take time but be assured that the sneaky illusions of sin in our conduct, comparisons, and complacency will ultimately bring us consequences we do not want. 

However, there is hope. The key to not being fooled by any optical illusion is to avoid making assumptions. Optical illusions trick the brain into taking shortcuts and cause the brain to fill in the gaps with misinformation.  

The same is true for the sneaky illusions of sin. Assumptions are made when we think that our outward conduct is all that matters, when we compare ourselves to others, and when we grow complacent. The solution to the illusions of sin is the clear truth of the Gospel. [Show the PowerPoint slide with the second point of the outline.] 

The Clear Truth of the Gospel 

Unlike an illusion that seeks to trick you, God wants you to know what is real. He gave us the Bible so we can learn the clear truth about our sin, about God, and about the way to bridge the gap between us and Him. 

There are four key pieces of truth that the Bible reveals to us in this regard. The first one is that all sin is utterly evil. [Show the next subpoint of the outline on the PowerPoint slide.] 

All sin is utterly evil. (Romans 1:28-32; 6:23a) 

There is no illusion here; all sin is evil. The Apostle Paul gives us a long list of sin in the Book of Romans. Listen to what Romans 1:28-32 says. [Read Romans 1:28-32.] There is some pretty bad stuff mentioned in that list. There’s immorality, murder, hating God, and things like that.  

But there’s also pride and boasting, gossiping, and disobeying parents. And the Apostle Paul said that God’s righteous judgment on all of these sins is death (Romans 1:32). Later in his letter to the church in Rome, the Apostle Paul would repeat this truth when he wrote, “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). 

This clear truth, that all sins are utterly evil, destroys the sneaky Illusion of Complacency. We must not allow ourselves to grow apathetic when God has a passion for righteousness and a hatred for sin. 

The second clear truth of the Gospel is that every person needs forgiveness. [Show the next subpoint of the outline on the PowerPoint slide.] 

Every person needs forgiveness. (Romans 3:23) 

Romans 3:23 says… [Read Romans 3:23.]. All means all, right? Every person is a sinner. We’ve all thought, said, and done things that disobey God. We sin because we are sinners. Since we are all sinners, we all need forgiveness.  

[Show the PowerPoint slide with the definition of the word “forgiveness.”] “Forgiveness” is “the gracious act of God in removing the charges against sinners because Christ paid the penalty for their sin.” We all need this forgiveness; we all need to be reconciled with God.  

This reality that we all need forgiveness dismantles both the Illusions of Comparison and Conduct. We cannot simply claim to be good people because we sometimes do good things. All of us do bad things, because we are all sinners.  

It doesn’t matter if you’re better than someone else either, because even one sinful thought, word, or action makes you less than perfect in the eyes of a perfect God (James 2:10). Sin leaves us all in need of forgiveness. 

But God doesn’t just give us bad news and leave us hanging. He offers a solution to our problem. Specifically, God offers the forgiveness you need through Jesus Christ. [Show the next subpoint of the outline on the PowerPoint slide.] 

God offers forgiveness through Jesus. (Romans 6:23b; Luke 7:47-50) 

We can see forgiveness beautifully explained in the last half of Romans 6:23. [Read Romans 6:23

Romans 6:23 ESV

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

There you have it; the free gift that God offers to sinners is eternal life; eternal life comes with forgiveness of sin. 

This offer is possible because Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for sin and rose from the dead, defeating sin and death. The only way to receive this gift of forgiveness is to believe in Jesus for salvation. 

Teacher’s Note: This would be a good time to address the reality that some in the group may not have a relationship with Jesus. You may want to take the time to offer a clear presentation of the Gospel before continuing. If you need help sharing the Gospel, see the following site for an easy way to share the Gospel: https://teachersource.wol.org/resource/SBS25/40-8/.  

Forgiveness is a gift from God, but it is a spiritual gift rather than a physical gift. Spiritual things cannot be seen, so how would someone know if they’ve received this gift of eternal life? 

Jesus’ answer to that question can be found in Luke 7:47-50. Listen to how Jesus explains how you can tell if someone has genuinely been forgiven. [Read Luke 7:47-50

Luke 7:47–50 ESV

47 Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” 48 And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” 50 And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

There it is, “Her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much” and “Your faith has saved you.” 

Because of this woman’s faith, she had been forgiven. Because she had been forgiven so much, she loved Jesus so much! The forgiveness she received sparked the love she displayed.  

Yes, forgiveness sparks the expression of love! A person forgiven by Jesus will demonstrate a love for God. [Show the next subpoint of the outline on the PowerPoint slide.] 

A person forgiven by Jesus will demonstrate a love for God. (Luke 7:47-50) 

This woman demonstrated complete devotion to Jesus as a result of the forgiveness she had received. This was seen in her emotional response of tears, the humble use of her own hair to wipe Jesus’ feet, and the potentially major financial sacrifice of giving the very expensive oil.  

Her acts were a demonstration of the pure love she felt for the One who forgave her. To her, love was not an illusion. Again, this love referred to is not a romantic love, but genuine love that triggers a display of selfless giving for the good of someone else. She had experienced the love of God through forgiveness; her natural response was to love the One Who forgave her. Forgiveness had sparked her expression of love.  

So, let’s make this personal. If we have been forgiven, we should respond in a similar manner because forgiveness should spark our expression of love for God. A heart that is rescued by God will reflect genuine gratitude to God in the form of obedience, love, and worship. No illusions, no mirages, no pretense, or show. 

Evaluate your life for a moment. If Jesus came to your house, would a similar parable be necessary to help you avoid the illusions of sin or would you overflow with an expression of love because you recognize the abundance of forgiveness that has been poured out on you? 

Have you been tricked by the Illusion of Conduct? Do your inward thoughts match your outward actions? 

Has the Illusion of Comparison fooled you? Do you tend to see yourself as better than others because you aren’t guilty of those “big sins”? 

Maybe you have fallen for the Illusion of Complacency. Have you downplayed your sin and settled for mediocre righteousness? 

All of these lies are sneaky illusions that keep you trapped in your sin. But God wants to deliver you through the truth. Sure, it can be hard to admit that we sin, that all sin is condemnable, and that we need forgiveness, but God’s clear truth sets us free. If you think that you are all right on your own, you have been tricked.  

The truth is we all owe a sin debt we can never repay, but God offers forgiveness and freedom from that sin. Jesus paid your debt and invites you to believe in Him for salvation. No tricks, no illusion, no deceit, just pure truth. “God so loved the world that He” sent Jesus to make the payment for your sin and rescue you from the illusions it brings. 

What you see is what you get! And you get forgiveness of sin given by the One Who loved you enough to become sin for you (2 Corinthians 5:21). If the illusions still have you fooled, trust in Jesus today and be set free! 

Maybe you have already experienced that freedom. Perhaps you have placed your faith in Jesus for the forgiveness of your sin and you have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. If that is you, don’t get complacent; never forget the great cost that it took for Jesus to purchase your forgiveness. He died on the cross and rose from the dead so that you can be forgiven! 

If you have allowed complacency to sneak into your life, get your eyes off of the illusions and focus on the clear truth of the Gospel. Remember the great debt you once owed, and when you do, remember that when you had no chance of paying it, Jesus died for your sin and rose from the dead. His death made it possible for you to be forgiven; allow His forgiveness to spark your expression of love.  

Don’t be fooled by the illusions; remember how much you have been forgiven because [Show the PowerPoint slide with the Sticky Statement.] forgiveness sparks the expression of love.  

If you realize that you have been deceived by the illusion of sin, will you admit to God that you are in personal need of His forgiveness? Will you put your faith in Jesus Christ today? Will you abandon trust in yourself to find forgiveness in Jesus? 

If you find that you’ve allowed complacency to sneak into your Christian walk, will you confess that to God today? The way to defeat complacency is to bring into focus the forgiveness that you have received. Allow the reality of God’s forgiveness to spark your expression of love for Him. Whatever decision you need to make, take a moment to talk to God about it right now. 

Teacher’s Note: Allow about thirty seconds for students to pray then close the lesson with a word of prayer, thanking Jesus for His great sacrifice on our behalf. Pray that God would work in the hearts of the students. Pray for those who are not saved to consider the gravity of their sin and the amazing free gift of salvation in Jesus. End the prayer with the dedication of worship to Jesus for His gift of forgiveness.