1. Messiah’s Mercy
Matthew 12:1-14

2. Merciful Jesus Charged with evil, Jesus went about doing good
He faced injustices of men with candor, caring and consistency
Merciful when those around him were not, Matthew 12:1-14
Our challenge: To walk in his steps (1 John 2:5-6)

3. BE MERCIFUL Matt. 12:1-8; Hosea 6:4-6
Must first recognize our need for mercy, Matthew 12:1-2
“Manifestation of pity...Sympathy manifested in act” (Vine, III:60-61)
God’s mercy to us, Matt. 9:10-13; Lk. 6:36; 18:13
Law of Moses obligated Israel to show mercy, Deut. 23:25 (24:19)

4. BE MERCIFUL Matt. 12:1-8; Hosea 6:4-6
Do not fight against the mercy of God, Matt. 12:2-7
The unmerciful watch for the slightest “violation”, 12:2
Being unmerciful is often arbitrary, leading to inconsistencies and contradictions, 12:3-7
David’s violation was acceptable to them (3-4)
Disciples charged, though guiltless (7)

5. BE MERCIFUL Matt. 12:1-8; Hosea 6:4-6
Being unmerciful is often arbitrary, leading to inconsistencies and contradictions, 12:3-7
Priests’ labor on the Sabbath was lawful and allowed – Mercy on the Sabbath was also allowed (12:5, 12)
If priests were justifiable, much more His disciples, for He is greater than the temple and the Lord of the Sabbath (12:6, 8)

6. BE MERCIFUL Matt. 12:1-8; Hosea 6:4-6
Mercy is not in conflict with obeying the truth of God, Matt. 12:7, 12
Obedience is not to be ignored so that “mercy” may be shown (cf. how to be saved) Psa. 89:14 (Deut. 7:9)
Rather, obedience is only accepted when it is also joined with mercy, Matt. 23:23-24 (9:10-13)

7. ALWAYS BE MERCIFUL Matthew 12:9-14
Characteristics of mercy:
Comes from a merciful heart, Matt. 18:33-35; Lk. 10:36-37; Col. 3:12
Not given grudgingly, Romans 12:8
An expression of wisdom, James 3:17
Will be rewarded, Matt. 5:7; Jas. 2:13

8. ALWAYS BE MERCIFUL Matthew 12:9-14
Why we are not always merciful:
Have forgotten and are not always thankful for the mercy we have received, Matt. 18:32-33
Pride and self-righteousness, Lk. 18:9-12
Power over others, Lk. 10:31-32

9. ALWAYS BE MERCIFUL Matthew 12:9-14
Why we are not always merciful:
Selfishness, Phil. 2:3-4
Unforgiving, Matt. 6:14-15
Uncaring (insensitive, not thinking of others), 2 Cor. 7:2

10. Messiah’s Mercy
I will sing of the mercies of the LORD forever; With my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations.
For I have said, “Mercy shall be built up forever; Your faithfulness You shall establish in the very heavens.” (Psalm 89:1-2)
Matthew 5:7