Mercy Mercy Me

An except from the Creative Way Down on the blessing of mercy

It is fascinating that, in response to John the Baptist’s question about his Messianic credentials, Jesus points to his works of mercy: the blind receive sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and good news is proclaimed to the poor. And when he sends his disciples out to the lost sheep of Israel, Jesus instructs them to engage in divine acts of mercy: heal the sick, drive out demons, raise the dead, cleanse lepers. This is who they know Jesus to be, and thus how they should act towards others. We join Jesus in his mercy.

Jesus’ mercy is not just a negative thing, not just refraining from wrath. He certainly does call out rebellious and sinful behaviour and urges repentance. But his mercy is something good and healing that is poured out upon the people he loves. It is mercy which characterizes his kingdom activity, and which should characterize the work of the Church in the world.

Mercy isn’t weak or soft. Jesus and his disciples kick out demons and heal lepers. Mercy is the work of liberation, the offer of hope to the enslaved, the gift of release to the prisoner and sight to the blind. It stands in opposition to the merciless tendencies of the world, the violence, greed, and dominance that seeks to diminish people. It is important to hold this in mind as we talk about giving and receiving mercy this week. The Kingdom of God is a Kingdom of Mercy.

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ACTION

Take another look at the list of merciful actions that Jesus uses to describe the Kingdom of God. What is one way you can give alms today that will add to the liberation and healing mentioned by Jesus?

Think about organisations that bring sight to the blind, such as Sightsavers International; or groups that advocate for those in prison, like the John Howard Society; or people and ministries that proclaim genuine good news to the poor in your city. Do some research, be creative, and add your alms to the work of God’s mercy in the world.