The Life of Christ – Lesson 7 February 28, 2018 Matthew Chapters 5-7 Luke 6:20-49 The Life of Christ – Lesson 7 The Sermon on the Mount – Matthew 5:7 “Blessed are the merciful …”

“Blessed are the merciful …” What is mercy? “Kindness or good will towards the miserable and afflicted, joined with a desire to relieve them.” (Thayer) “the outward manifestation of pity; it assumes need on the part of him who receives it, and resources adequate to meet the need on the part of him who shows it” (Vine)

“Blessed are the merciful …” What is mercy? “… not simply possessed of pity but actively compassionate …” (Vine) Vincent refers to “the sense of human wretchedness coupled with the impulse to relieve it.” Mercy must include action … like love. 1 John 3:18 Is mercy simply withholding punishment deserved? Luke 1:58; 10:37; 1 Peter 1:3

“Blessed are the merciful …” We are therefore to: Exhibit “Kindness or good will towards the miserable and afflicted” and Have an ardent “desire to relieve them.” Be “actively compassionate” towards the pitiable. Towards those lost in sin. Matthew 9:13 (Jonah 4:11)

“Blessed are the merciful …” A foundational spiritual quality. Matthew 23:23 Required to inherit “eternal life”; Luke 10:37 (context; verses 30-37 – really go back to verse 25; James 2:13)

“Blessed are the merciful …” What evoked Jesus’ compassion? Souls without a shepherd. Matthew 9:36 (“distressed and dispirited”) (note verses 37- 38; and Mark 6:34) Those with a spiritual debt they could not pay. Matthew 18:27 The lost who return to Him. Luke 15:20 People with infirmities and dire circumstances they could not be relieved of. Matthew 14:14; Luke 10:33

“… For they shall receive mercy” We need to know the mercy of God towards us before we can properly extend the same to one another. Ephesians 2:4; Hebrews 4:16; James 5:11; 1 Peter 1:3 Mercy did not come through the Law – Hebrews 10:28; James 2:13