Show Mercy Rather Than Pass Judgment

This is our B moment. Our moment to be still…to be fed by the Word of God…to be grateful.

Scripture reference: Luke 6:36 (ESV)

Transcription:

Today, I am encouraging you to show mercy rather than to pass judgment.

Recently, we talked about how the Israelites observed the Sabbath day as a way of following the law and in hopes of pleasing God. However, in the gospel of Matthew, we learn from Jesus that he values showing others mercy more than strictly following the law.

In Matthew 12, we learn that one day Jesus was walking through the grain fields on the Sabbath with his disciples. Some of the disciples became hungry, so they started breaking off the heads of wheat and eating the grain. Several Pharisees observed this and told Jesus that his disciples shouldn’t be doing that as it was against the law to work by harvesting grain on the Sabbath.

Before Jesus gave them his full response, he reminded them of the time when King David and his men were hungry and they went into the house of the Lord and ate the special bread that was reserved only for the priest. He told them that was breaking the law too. But God didn’t love David any less.

Jesus concluded his teaching by reminding them of this verse: “‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath!” Matthew 12:7-8 (NLT). This was a resounding rebuke of the Pharisees’ understanding of what really matters to God.

Recently we’ve been talking a lot about being in a new season, and I am certain that there will be people who cross your path in this new season who will need your mercy. As you think about that, remember these few words:

“Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.” Luke 6:36 (ESV).

Share today’s message, follow us on Instagram @blues2blessings, and subscribe to the Blues to Blessings YouTube channel for new videos every Wednesday.

So today, show mercy to others.