The Beatitudes - Pt 6

 

[Jesus said] “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” (Matthew 5:7 ESV).

 

Jesus comes to this beatitude with the intention of teaching people a characteristic that was nearly absent in their world. They lived in a culture under the domination of a foreign power (Rome) that was cruel and unjust. Our modern idiom, “I don’t get even, I get ahead” is representative of the attitude of most of Jesus’ world at that time. I dare say, it fits many of the people in our culture as well. Retribution and cruelty seem to be the common themes among many. He speaks of being “merciful.” The word in the original language is ἐλεήμονες (eleēmones). It is an adjective that describes an active disposition of compassion that moves to relieve the misery of others. It is never mere sentiment; it is love in motion, reflecting God’s own character. Scripture portrays mercy as both a divine attribute and a Spirit-wrought quality in the believer’s life.

 

The Old Testament vocabulary of mercy, especially the Hebrew ḥesed (steadfast love) and raḥamim (compassion), lays the foundation. The LORD reveals Himself to Moses as “gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness” (Exodus 34:6). The sacrificial system, the Jubilee legislation, and prophetic calls to defend the orphan and widow all express a covenantal mercy that binds God to His people and His people to one another.

 

In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus pronounces divine favor on those whose lives mirror the Father’s compassion. The form is plural, underscoring that mercy must characterize the entire community of disciples. “Merciful” encapsulates the heart of God revealed in Jesus Christ and reproduced in His people. Rooted in Old Testament covenant love, manifested perfectly in the incarnate Son, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, mercy remains an indispensable mark of authentic Christianity that guides worship, fellowship, and mission until the Lord returns.

 

I wonder, how do you view others? I know I could be more merciful toward others. Perhaps that is your need as well.