The Jesus Bible Reading PlanSample

JESUS AND MERCY

The Greek word translated “have mercy” can also mean “to be favorably inclined.” This word is used only one other time in the New Testament, and there it describes how Christ made reconciliation possible between God and humanity by his sacrifice on the cross (Heb 2:17). The noun form appears in 1 John 2:2 and 4:10; in both places, Jesus is called the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Jesus, as our sacrifice, paid the price our sins required, thereby making it possible for God to turn aside his righteous wrath.

The tax collector in Jesus’ story understood his sinful condition and asked God for mercy. Thankfully, God does not save people because of their righteous acts but solely through his rich mercy (Eph 2:4 – 5; Titus 3:5). Later, the apostle Peter would write that in God’s great mercy, he has given believers new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead (1Pe 1:3). When people cry out to God for mercy, God’s merciful response is Jesus.

Jesus, thank you for your mercy, which I do not deserve. Thank you for giving me a new birth into life with you. Amen.