By: Scott Adkins, Sling ‘n Stone Ministry
Carter County Times
Last time, we looked at how one might stay hungry and thirsty for right-standing with God, and in so doing, be filled in Matthew 5:6. This week, we move-on to the fifth Beatitude: “Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy,” (Matthew 5:7.). But what does it mean to be merciful? In the original Greek, the word “merciful” comes from the Greek word “eleemon,” which means beneficial or charitable. But still, what exactly did Jesus mean when He urged us to:
Be Merciful
As in the previous four Beatitudes, the original Greek uses what we call an emphatic pronoun, “autos,” for “they.” That means only those who show mercy to others qualify to receive mercy from their Maker. Indeed, James wrote: “For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy.” (James 2:13). The Old Testament instructs us: “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good and what the Lord doth require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy[.]” (Micah 6:8). And, of course, the Lord Jesus Christ, in His words and actions demonstrated mercy.
After Jesus called Matthew (Matthew 9:9), Jesus went to Matthew’s house for dinner. (Matthew 9:10). As Jesus sat there eating with tax collectors; prostitutes; and the dredges of society, the Pharisees asked the Disciples, “Why does your Master eat with publicans and sinners?” (Matthew 9:11). “Jesus heard that,” (Matthew 9:12), and He said: “I will have mercy.” (Matthew 9:13).
Nor can we forget the woman dragged before Jesus, having been caught in the very act of adultery (John 8:3). There, once Jesus dispensed with the woman’s self-righteous and unmerciful accusers, (John 8:9), the Lord said to her: “Neither do I condemn thee; go and sin no more.” (John 8:11). So, given the Lord’s example, what are we to do to be merciful; and thus, to obtain what we all desperately need from God: mercy? Jesus gives us the example, The Good Samaritan, (Luke 10:25-37). The story’s a familiar one, but worth recounting.
Robbers attacked a Jewish fellow, almost killing him. Along came both a priest, and then, a Levite. But neither helped; in fact, both went out of their way to avoid helping one of their own. (Luke 10:30-32). Then, along came a Samaritan. (Luke 10:33). Jews hated Samaritans; the Samaritan woman at the well said, “the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.” (John 4:9). But this Samaritan took pity on one whom he knew likely despised him. Putting that aside, the Samaritan rendered first aid; took the wounded man to an inn; sat up with him all night; and, in the morning, told in innkeeper to care for the Jew, and that when the Samaritan passed through again, he would repay the innkeeper for whatever the innkeeper spent. (Luke 10:33-35).
Jesus said to His listeners, “Go and do thou likewise.” (Luke 10:37). Indeed, being merciful means having compassion upon those who hate us, upon those who deserve it least.
/s/Sling ‘n Stone Ministry
