In Matthew 5 Jesus gives us a list of personal “attitudes” that will cause us to be “blessed” or “happy”. These are directly counter the usual humanistic way of thinking.
Radical Concept #5
"Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy." [Matthew 5:7 KJV]
At first glance, this statement may not seem to be that radical of a concept. After all we have all heard (and used) the phrase “what goes around comes around”. It is a concept based in the Biblical principle of sowing and reaping.
"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." [Galatians 6:7 KJV]
Thankfully, this is still a foundational principal of our American society. However, if we remove ourselves from our Western/American ideals a little, we will see that the concept of mercy is not nearly as pervasive on a global scale or in overall historical context.
1. Definition of “Mercy”: Compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.
2. What condition must be met before a person is in a position to show mercy?
3. Does a position of authority give you the ability to show mercy?
4. Does being a victim give you the ability to show mercy?
5. What are three spheres of authority that a crime/sin such as murder violates?
6. The Old Testament context of the “eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth” laws.
Exodus 21:24: This passage is concerning a scenario in which two men are fighting and injure a pregnant woman, causing her to go into premature labor. If the child and mother survive without further injury, the guilty party is to pay a fine, but if “mischief follows” (further injury or death) the injury for injury principle is to be enacted up to the death penalty.
Leviticus 24:20: This scenario involves a fight between a man of Egyptian/Israeli descent who was in a fight with a Jewish man. The first man, in the course of the fight, blasphemes the God of Israel. This is a fight apparently fueled by religious hatred. In this scenario God orders the injury for injury principle is to be enacted up to the death penalty.
Deuteronomy 19:21: The third scenario occurs when a person has deliberately offered up false testimony to knowingly accuse someone who is innocent. In this example God specifically forbids the showing of mercy. Whatever the penalty of which the falsely accused was in danger, must be inflicted on the accuser.
7. Is the promise that the merciful will obtain mercy referring to Divine mercy or human mercy? Explain.
8. When we are in a position to show mercy, what is our basis for doing so?
""You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you. "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." [Matthew 5:38-48 ESV]
9. In the Tabernacle of Israel what covered the stone tablets of the Law of God?
"And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee. And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which [are] upon the ark of the testimony, of all [things] which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel." [Exodus 25:21-22 KJV]
10. How does this contrast with the future event spoken of in Romans 14:10 and 2 Corinthians 5:10?
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