Blessed are the Merciful

 "Blessed are the Merciful, for they shall receive mercy." 

Matthew 5:7 ESV

These beatitudes describe the nature and Spirit of Christ Himself. He calls us to live in these blessings of a Christlike attitude; so that in our daily lives we will express the nature of Jesus.

Merciful - Strongs #1655 eleemon. The word eleemon describes a person who is kind, compassionate, sympathetic, and merciful. This sensitive word combines tendencies with action. A person with this quality finds outlets to express His merciful nature. 

When Jesus Christ came; He lived among us and witnessed and experienced the struggles of humanity. One particular time, there was a feast for the Jews and He went up to Jerusalem for the feast.  He was led to go to the pool of Bethesda. In this place there were many sick people laying around the pool. They were blind, lame, paralyzed, with no hope of recovery, just waiting for the movement of the water, believing it would heal them. He came for the one who had been there the longest. He was ill for 38 years. 'When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He bent down and said to Him, "Do you want to be made well?" The man said, "Sir I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me." Jesus said to him, "Rise up and walk." And immediately the man was made well. He picked up his bed and walked.' John 5:6,7 This healing is illustrated in the "Chosen" movie series in Season Two, Episode 4, "The Perfect Opportunity".

Jesus was moved with compassion for suffering people. He demonstrated mercy as He approached the man. He showed us what God is like. He made a path of forgiveness that we may follow Him. As a man, He experienced all that we experience; pain, heartache and temptation. Let's look at some scriptures in Hebrews and I John:

"Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest... to make propitiation for the sins of the people. (That's us.) For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted." "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 2:17,18,  4:16

Because of His incredible, sacrificial mercy, He was willing to go to the cross to make propitiation for our sins. What powerful mercy He has obtained for us! 

"My Little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not ours only but also for the whole world." I John 2:1, 2

 What does the word "Propitiation" mean?

Propitiation Strongs #2434 Related to hileos, "merciful" Used in the NT only in I John 2:2 and 4:10. The word describes Christ, through His sacrificial death, as appeasing the wrath of God on account of sin. It also pictures His death as expiatory providing a covering for sin. By means of the atoning death of Christ, God can be merciful to the sinner who believes in His Son, and reconciliation is effected. 

 Propitiation is Merciful!!!    God's Mercy... Jesus' Mercy... Our mercy to others.

Jesus was moved with compassion

"When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them; because they were weary, confused and helpless. Matthew 9:35,36 NLT and NKJ