Love MercySample

Jesus tells a story in Matthew 18 of someone who is forgiven millions of dollars worth of debt but then demands payment from someone who owes him only a few thousand. This man experienced a massive burden lifted but then harshly demanded his own debtor to pay up. He who begged for mercy could not be merciful to another.

We are like the man who owes an unpayable debt (our sin) to our master (God). God mercifully has pity on us and cancels our sin-debt and the punishment of death it carries. However, instead of living our lives oriented by forgiveness and freedom, we often continue to refuse mercy to others. But we who have been forgiven of much are called by God to forgive others when they sin against us.

Loving mercy requires that we see people the way Jesus sees them. When Jesus was being crucified, he saw and heard the crowd mocking him, yet he still asked the Father to forgive those who were killing him. We must learn how to see others with this compassion: not as our enemies, but as broken, beloved image bearers of God.

Reflection Questions:

What challenged you in Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 18? How might the Holy Spirit want to use this parable to reshape your perspective?

Spend time in prayer reflecting on the words Jesus spoke from the cross. What does Jesus’ death teach you about the power of mercy?