The JESUS Film 24 Day ChallengeSample

"The JESUS Film 24-Day Challenge: Day 18"

Review

We often behave like we deserve something from God—as though we’re “good enough” to be entitled to His good gifts. When we act this way, we demean and trample on His mercy. The subject of mercy is discussed twice in today’s chapter.

First, Jesus paints a verbal picture of two men praying in the temple. One is a Pharisee, full of self-righteousness, whose prayer is one of arrogance and pride. The other is a despised tax collector, who, in contrast, openly acknowledges his sinfulness and begs God for mercy.

Then in another story, as Jesus is nearing Jerusalem, a blind man overcomes the opposition of the crowd and calls out to Him for mercy. In his awareness of his need, this man stops at nothing to get Jesus’ attention. Jesus stops and heals the man’s blindness. Ironically, Jesus—who gave others mercy—would not receive mercy Himself. He continued on toward Jerusalem where He would be killed—not because He did wrong, but because He did what was right.

Reflect

• Are we ever self-righteous in our prayers like the Pharisee? Give some examples.
• For what do you need God’s mercy? How desperate are we?
• In the story of the rich young ruler, what was Jesus trying to get him to understand?
• Why do you think the disciples found it so hard to understand Jesus when He told them He was going to Jerusalem to die? Keep in mind that the disciples were not expecting that their Messiah would be crucified.

Respond

Father, have mercy on me, a sinner. I’m in desperate need of Your grace, because I’ve wronged You and rebelled against Your perfect laws. Forgive me. I humble myself before You, God, because I know I’ve sinned. Thank You for Your gift of forgiveness, given freely to those who receive it by faith.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Note: Israel’s King David wrote many beautiful prayers of praise for the grace and mercy of God. One such prayer is found in Psalm 40. Read it, and pray it from your heart to God.