If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. 2 Cor 5:17
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Go to the source! Discover what the Bible says about …
These pages are designed to aid study or investigation for Christian discipleship through individual Bible study, Cell groups, Home groups, or meeting one to one. The questions could be used alone allowing each person to use their own Bible.
Introduction
Mercy is shown by someone with power over another, when they do not treat them as their power enables, or as justice might demand.
As trust breaks down in our society people increasingly turn to following rules, procedures and guidelines. Less space is given for people to show mercy, yet mercy is something the Lord values highly.
Bible Zone
- God describes Himself - The Lord reveals himself as merciful to Moses.
- Merciful like God - As the Father is merciful, so He asks us to be.
- Example of God’s mercy - Paul describes all that God forgave him.
- Mercy and Law - Jesus shows that following laws works against mercy.
- Mercy and Power - We should be considerate to those under our authority.
- Outcome for merciful - Those who have shown mercy will be given mercy.
In agreeing to show Moses His glory, the Lord explains who He is. Exodus 33:18-19
- How would you describe the Lord?
- How does the Lord describe Himself?
- How does the Lord’s value of mercy stand out?
Exodus 33:18-19 18 Moses responded, "Then show me your glorious presence." 19 The LORD replied, "I will make all my goodness pass before you, and I will call out my name, Yahweh,* before you. For I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose.
Mercy is given to those who are not deserving. This raises questions for those who show mercy when they have been deeply hurt. Then it is done as we follow God’s example.. Luke 6:35-36
- What is the basis of mercy?
- How do you feel about the prospect of following this instruction?
- What about God might help you to live like this?
Luke 6:35-36 35 "Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked.36 You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.
Paul is someone who typifies the receiving of mercy. 1 Timothy 1:12-16
- How has Jesus stepped out on a limb to trust Paul with the task given to him?
- What does Paul’s situation say about the degree of mercy Jesus shows?
- Do you need to receive mercy from Jesus?
1 Timothy 1:12-16 12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him,13 even though I used to blaspheme the name of Christ. In my insolence, I persecuted his people. But God had mercy on me because I did it in ignorance and unbelief.14 Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus. 15 This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners"—and I am the worst of them all.16 But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.
One group who found Jesus’ mercy the hardest to take were those who followed the laws most rigorously. Here is how Jesus challenged them. Matthew 9:10-13
- What was it that Jesus was criticised for?
- What kind of people did Jesus’ mercy put Him in contact with?
- How might your lifestyle be affected by mercy?
- What value did this criticism expose in those who criticised?
- What rules and values in our culture might hinder us from showing mercy?
Matthew 9:10-13 10 Later, Matthew invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners.11 But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with such scum?*"
12 When Jesus heard this, he said, "Healthy people don't need a doctor—sick people do."13 Then he added, "Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: 'I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.'* For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners."
A group who find mercy difficult are those in authority. The case of slave and master extends to any power situation of one in authority and another under authority. Ephesians 6:9
- What is the relationship of God to both slave and master?
- On what basis is mercy shown?
- How can the master exercise authority while still showing mercy?
Ephesians 6:9 Masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Don't threaten them; remember, you both have the same Master in heaven, and he has no favorites.
James 2:12-13 shows us the outcome for one who stands in judgement over others.
- How is the outcome of judgement day dependent on us?
- We live in an age where tolerance is so elevated that people are judged for not being tolerant. What is the difference between tolerance and mercy?
James 2:12-13 12 So whatever you say or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law that sets you free.13 There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.
MERCIFUL
Mercy