Extending the Lifeline of Mercy
Part 27 - Luke 6:37-42 (ESV) - Pastor Tim Kroeker
James 2:13:
“For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”
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The most well known, oft quoted verse in the Bible today is surely “Judge not, lest you be judged.” It is thrown about by Christians and non Christians alike as an immediate defense against any perceived personal attack or any supposed imposition upon one’s belief or behavior. “Don’t judge me!” This quote is lifted from Jesus’ most famous sermon, the Sermon on the Mount. So was Jesus suggesting that we not make any moral assessments, that anything goes? As we continue on in our salvation story we’ll see the importance of never reading a verse outside its literary context. Jesus’ words both before and after his most famous statement will help us understand what he meant and how we might put those words into practice as Christians today. Jesus’ point wasn’t about judgement, but rather mercy. We’ll be reminded how merciful God has been and continues to be towards each one of us. As followers of Jesus we then extend that same mercy to others.
