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 Please take out your copy of God's Word, which I hope you have with you, and I hope that it's well read and treasured in your hearts.

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 And turn with me to Matthew chapter 5 and verse 7.

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 Matthew chapter 5 verse 7.

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 For the past month we've been considering together, as we learn from Jesus' teaching in what's most often called the Sermon on the Mount,

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 what citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven look like.

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 The overarching question before us has been, what characterizes those who follow the King of the Kingdom?

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 Matthew chapter 4 verse 17.

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 Matthew is presented to us the very beginning of Jesus' ministry and records for us.

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 From that time, Jesus began to preach.

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 And he summarizes his preaching.

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 Jesus saying, repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.

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 And then we see at the beginning of Matthew chapter 5 a crowd gathering together.

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 And Jesus, seeing the crowds, goes up onto a mountain.

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 And he sits down and his disciples gather around him.

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 And then Matthew records in verse 2,

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 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying.

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 So we've considered, and I've asserted to you, that his primary audience are these disciples.

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 And certainly there are others in his hearing.

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 And we'll see much later in the sermon, he gives some very stark warning to those in his hearing.

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 And I think it's right to understand that he's talking to those who are already citizens, those who were his disciples of this Kingdom.

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 He's saying, this is what you will look like.

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 Jesus declares that the citizens of his Kingdom are blessed or flourishing, we've talked a bit about.

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 We have looked at the first four of these declarations of blessedness and seen that followers of Jesus Christ will be, verse 3,

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 Those who recognize their spiritual poverty.

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 Those who see that they have nothing to offer God apart from the wealth that is found in Christ.

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 We've seen that those who mourn of their sinful state and the sinful state of the world around them,

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 Who look at the world and see how very sin sick it is, are declared blessed.

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 We have seen that those who are meek when wronged, people who don't seek retribution in their own cases, are blessed.

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 And we've seen that those who have a deep longing to be found righteous and to persist in righteousness,

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 Are declared by Jesus to be blessed.

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 These people are declared blessed because theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

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 They shall be comforted.

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 They shall inherit the earth.

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 And they shall be satisfied.

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 So join me now in considering the next of Jesus' declarations of blessedness in Matthew 5, verse 7.

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 Before I read this short verse, let me remind you, beloved,

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 And this is God's word to us, written for his glory and our good.

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 We would all do well to listen to it in order to believe its promises and to obey its commands.

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 Matthew 5, verse 7.

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 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

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 So what does it mean to be merciful?

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 Let's begin answering that question by stating that God is merciful.

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 God's mercy is his goodness, particularly where people are miserable or distressed.

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 Let me show you some examples.

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 David says in 2 Samuel 24, 14,

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 When Paul speaks of the fact that God comforts us in affliction in 2 Corinthians 1, verse 3,

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 He calls God the Father of mercies and God of all comfort.

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 The Greek word translated in today's text, merciful,

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 Is the same used in the Septuagint,

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 That ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament that I spent way too much time explaining to you last week.

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 The Septuagint uses the Greek word for the Hebrew word most common in describing God's character.

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 The word used most often in the Hebrew language, speaking of God's character,

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 Is this word the same that we find in our text today in the Greek language.

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 It's often translated as mercy, love, loving kindness, or steadfast love.

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 In most places you read in the Old Testament, you see those English words or phrases,

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 This is that same Hebrew word translated into Greek that we find in our text today.

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 In all of these cases, however,

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 The idea passes beyond affection to compassion in action.

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 It's expressed love.

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 This loving kindness is not a feeling God has, but a way that he works.

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 God's mercy is expressed, and it is expressed in helping those who are in need.

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 If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, you are a recipient, praise the Lord, of God's mercy.

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 He has been merciful to you.

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 He is merciful and has expressed mercy to you.

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 Apart from Christ, we find ourselves in an absolutely miserable state.

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 We are separated from God and without any hope in this world.

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 But because of God's loving kindness, because he is merciful, he has saved us in Christ.

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 Our salvation is this great expression of God's merciful character.

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 On your bulletin today, the Thomas Watson quote,

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 Which I do, by the way, not as a proof to anything that I say, but to connect you to our history.

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 We have a family that extends back through centuries.

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 And I think it's helpful for us to see that we're not the only ones thinking in this way.

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 Thomas Watson wrote,

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 God is more willing to pardon than to punish.

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 Mercy does more multiply in him than sin in us.

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 Praise the Lord.

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 Mercy is his nature.

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 So God is merciful as we're considering what it means for us to be merciful.

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 We need to also consider that Jesus Christ is merciful.

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 Jesus is the great expression of God's mercy toward us.

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 And he sets for us an example of being merciful.

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 In Matthew chapter 9 and verse 27,

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 Two blind men cry out to Jesus saying,

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 Have mercy on us, son of David.

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 And we can read on that Jesus heals their blindness.

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 John MacArthur, our contemporary pastor, in his commentary on this text, wrote,

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 Jesus Christ was the most merciful human being who ever lived.

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 He reached out to heal the sick, restore the crippled, give sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, and even life to the dead.

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 He found prostitutes, tax collectors, the debauched and the drunken, and drew them into a circle of love and forgiveness.

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 Jesus wept with the sorrowing and gave compassion to the lonely.

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 He took little children into his arms and blessed them.

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 He was merciful to everyone.

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 He was mercy incarnate.

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 God's very character made flesh that we might view him and learn from him how it is that we are also meant to be merciful.

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 Beloved praise be to God that we, who were once the destitute and the outcast,

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 we who were in great need, miserable and distressed,

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 have been shown mercy in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

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 Peter expresses this very sentiment in 1 Peter chapter 1 and verse 3,

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 where he writes,

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 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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 According to his great mercy,

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 he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

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 And Paul tells us in Titus chapter 3 verse 5,

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 that Jesus saved us,

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 not because of works done by us in righteousness,

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 but according to his own mercy,

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 by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.

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 So we have as our great example for what it means to be merciful,

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 this God-man who came and not only served in the temporal,

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 but served in the eternal,

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 laying down his very life for the sake of ours.

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 This is the very impetus.

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 This is the foundation on which we build lives of mercy,

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 that God in Christ was merciful to us.

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 It is the reason that we turn and are merciful to others.

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 But we are not naturally merciful.

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 This is not a thing that comes of our own doing.

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 Before Paul's statement of that incredible truth in Titus 3.5,

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 that we are saved according to Christ's own mercy,

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 he writes in Titus 3 verse 3,

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 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient,

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 led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures,

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 passing our days, listen to the opposite of mercy,

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 in malice and envy,

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 hated by others and hating one another.

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 This is the natural state of man.

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 This is where we find ourselves apart from Christ,

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 apart from the renewing work of God,

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 we are not merciful.

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 This is true today,

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 and it was most certainly true in Jesus' day.

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 Both Roman and Jewish culture,

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 mercy was equated,

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 it was seen to be the same as weakness.

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 The two walked hand in hand together.

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 To give you just a brief example from Roman culture,

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 when a baby was born into a family,

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 the father could decide whether or not the baby would live.

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 Would give the baby a thumbs up or a thumbs down.

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 And in many cases,

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 if the baby didn't meet the father's standard,

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 the baby would be immediately drowned.

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 This was natural and normal in Roman culture.

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 Anybody in our country that wants to praise Rome,

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 the Rome of yesteryear,

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 oh, shake your heads at them.

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 Slaves were put to death at the whim of the master.

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 Wives could be put to death at the whim of the husband.

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 The culture was not merciful.

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 To be merciful was to be weak.

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 And Jewish culture,

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 despite all of their commands given in the Old Testament,

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 also expressed lots of unmerciful attitude.

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 Look quickly later in Matthew 5,

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 verse 43 and following,

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 where Jesus says,

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 verse 43,

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 you have heard that it was said,

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 so this would be a common saying of the day,

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 you have heard that it was said,

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 you shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.

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 So here's the common teaching of the day.

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 Be unmerciful.

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 What is Jesus' response to this teaching?

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 He says,

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 with the authority that Christ could bring to bear,

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 but I say to you,

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 love your enemies

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 and pray for those who persecute you, right?

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 Be merciful so that you may be sons of your father who is in heaven.

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 For he makes his son rise on the evil and on the good

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 and sends rain on the just and the unjust, right?

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 Be merciful as your father in heaven is merciful.

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 Prove yourself to be sons by expressing his character.

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 And he goes on,

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 verses 46 and 47,

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 for if you love those who love you,

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 what reward do you have?

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 How easy is it to love those who love us?

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 Do not even tax collectors do the same?

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 And if you greet only your brothers,

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 what more are you doing than others?

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 Do not even the Gentiles do the same?

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 It's of no benefit to you,

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 but rather be merciful.

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 Also, Matthew chapter 23 and verse 23.

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 Jesus says,

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 these are often called the woes.

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 He speaks woes to the Pharisees,

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 which are quite the opposite of these declarations of blessedness.

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 He says,

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 woe to you,

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 scribes and Pharisees,

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 hypocrites,

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 for you tithe mint and dill and cumin.

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 They were down to the tithe

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 and these very,

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 very tiny things,

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 these very particular things,

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 which Jesus commends them for,

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 but then says,

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 and you have neglected the weightier matters of the law,

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 justice and mercy and faithfulness.

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 These you ought to have done without neglecting the others.

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 So,

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 the one of the ruling classes,

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 religious Jews of the day,

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 Jesus says to them,

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 woe to you,

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 you hypocrites,

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 you care about stuff,

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 so tiny.

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 He says later in chapter 23,

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 that you strain out the gnat

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 and you swallow the camel.

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 You're neglecting the weighty matters of the law.

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 There's another account that makes a similar point in Luke chapter 10.

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 Let me invite you to turn there with me.

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 You can mark Matthew chapter 5.

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 Let me invite you to turn there with me.

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 Let me invite you to turn there with me.

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 This is likely a story familiar to you.

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 Luke chapter 10,

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 beginning in verse 25.

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 Jesus is making this very point.

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 This teaching would have just been astonishing to them

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 because remember,

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 this is a people who are not naturally merciful.

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 This is what they're talking about right now.

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 The culture of the day.

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 Not naturally merciful.

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 Beginning in verse 25.

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 And behold,

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 a lawyer stood up to put him to the test,

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 saying,

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 Teacher,

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 what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

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 And Jesus said to him,

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 what is written in the law?

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 How do you read it?

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 And he answered,

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 you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,

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 with all your soul,

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 and with all your strength,

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 and with all your mind,

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 and your neighbor as yourself.

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 And Jesus said to him,

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 you have answered correctly.

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 Do this,

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 and you will live.

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 Right?

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 So it's the right answer.

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 One of the themes of the Sermon on the Mount

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 is whole person righteousness.

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 So not merely the exterior of rightness,

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 but the interior as well.

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 And this man needed this to be addressed,

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 this lawyer.

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 So verse 29,

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 but he,

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 desiring to justify himself,

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 right?

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 Not a man who's poor in spirit,

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 said to Jesus,

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 and who is my neighbor?

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 Jesus replied,

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 you don't ask Jesus questions like this.

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 Jesus replied,

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 a man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho,

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 and he fell among robbers,

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 this was a dangerous road to travel,

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 who stripped him,

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 and beat him,

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 and departed,

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 leaving him half dead.

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 Now in the eyes of the religious elite,

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 this would have made him dirty,

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 unclean,

00:18:12.859 --> 00:18:13.039
 right?

00:18:13.299 --> 00:18:15.519
 They couldn't practice mercy,

00:18:15.839 --> 00:18:17.500
 because they didn't want to defile themselves

00:18:17.500 --> 00:18:18.420
 with the blood of this man.

00:18:18.420 --> 00:18:21.200
 So verse 31,

00:18:21.340 --> 00:18:22.060
 now by chance,

00:18:22.100 --> 00:18:23.660
 a priest was going down that road,

00:18:23.720 --> 00:18:24.779
 and when he saw him,

00:18:25.140 --> 00:18:27.620
 he passed by on the other side.

00:18:28.460 --> 00:18:29.380
 So likewise,

00:18:29.700 --> 00:18:30.320
 a Levite,

00:18:30.380 --> 00:18:32.240
 when he came to the place and saw him,

00:18:32.920 --> 00:18:35.080
 passed by on the other side.

00:18:36.240 --> 00:18:37.259
 But a Samaritan,

00:18:37.840 --> 00:18:38.560
 now understand,

00:18:39.320 --> 00:18:41.039
 to Jesus' Jewish audience,

00:18:41.200 --> 00:18:43.440
 found here in Luke chapter 10,

00:18:44.380 --> 00:18:47.440
 the Samaritans were not a liked people,

00:18:47.440 --> 00:18:48.000
 right?

00:18:48.000 --> 00:18:50.519
 There's a lot of misunderstanding,

00:18:50.940 --> 00:18:51.759
 miscommunication.

00:18:52.140 --> 00:18:53.680
 Look up what a Samaritan is,

00:18:53.740 --> 00:18:55.500
 and you get all kinds of answers.

00:18:55.680 --> 00:18:57.099
 But most likely,

00:18:57.759 --> 00:19:00.640
 Samaritans were people that had intermarried

00:19:00.640 --> 00:19:02.859
 during the Assyrian captivity,

00:19:02.859 --> 00:19:06.380
 and were transplanted back into the Samaritan town.

00:19:06.539 --> 00:19:10.799
 So Jews perceived them as kind of half-breeds.

00:19:11.799 --> 00:19:14.099
 When Israel was resettled,

00:19:14.200 --> 00:19:15.160
 the second temple,

00:19:15.380 --> 00:19:17.440
 the Samaritans wanted to help in the building of it,

00:19:17.440 --> 00:19:19.200
 and they denied them the ability to,

00:19:19.279 --> 00:19:20.779
 and so they had built their own temple,

00:19:20.779 --> 00:19:23.380
 and had their own form of worship.

00:19:24.120 --> 00:19:28.440
 So there's a lot of butting heads between the two.

00:19:28.620 --> 00:19:30.820
 So you need to see that this Samaritan

00:19:30.820 --> 00:19:33.480
 is expressing that his neighbor

00:19:33.480 --> 00:19:34.960
 is this Jewish man

00:19:34.960 --> 00:19:36.120
 that's been beaten and left

00:19:36.120 --> 00:19:37.160
 on the side of the road.

00:19:37.600 --> 00:19:38.120
 So verse 33,

00:19:38.119 --> 00:19:38.919
 But a Samaritan,

00:19:39.339 --> 00:19:40.519
 as he journeyed,

00:19:40.899 --> 00:19:42.279
 came to where he was,

00:19:42.459 --> 00:19:43.739
 and when he saw him,

00:19:44.279 --> 00:19:45.279
 he had compassion.

00:19:46.299 --> 00:19:48.439
 He went to him and bound up his wounds,

00:19:48.979 --> 00:19:51.759
 pouring on oil and wine disinfectant.

00:19:52.299 --> 00:19:53.819
 Then he set him on his own animal

00:19:53.819 --> 00:19:55.099
 and brought him to an inn

00:19:55.099 --> 00:19:56.219
 and took care of him.

00:19:56.839 --> 00:19:57.500
 And the next day,

00:19:57.559 --> 00:19:58.599
 he took out two denarii,

00:19:58.759 --> 00:19:59.339
 two days' wages,

00:19:59.439 --> 00:20:00.519
 and gave them to the innkeeper,

00:20:00.679 --> 00:20:01.000
 saying,

00:20:01.000 --> 00:20:02.460
 Take care of him,

00:20:02.460 --> 00:20:04.900
 and whatever more you spend,

00:20:05.000 --> 00:20:07.359
 I will repay you when I come back.

00:20:08.420 --> 00:20:09.960
 Which of these three do you think

00:20:09.960 --> 00:20:11.200
 proved to be a neighbor

00:20:11.200 --> 00:20:13.539
 to the man who fell among the robbers?

00:20:13.759 --> 00:20:14.440
 And he said,

00:20:14.500 --> 00:20:15.259
 the lawyer said,

00:20:15.339 --> 00:20:18.299
 the one who showed him mercy.

00:20:19.160 --> 00:20:20.400
 And Jesus said to him,

00:20:20.660 --> 00:20:23.140
 You go and do likewise.

00:20:23.539 --> 00:20:26.359
 So in very practical ways,

00:20:26.359 --> 00:20:31.199
 express this attitude of mercifulness.

00:20:31.339 --> 00:20:33.919
 Go and be merciful.

00:20:34.279 --> 00:20:36.679
 If you're to love the Lord your God,

00:20:36.899 --> 00:20:38.099
 as the lawyer said,

00:20:38.159 --> 00:20:38.819
 with all your heart,

00:20:38.879 --> 00:20:39.579
 and with all your soul,

00:20:39.639 --> 00:20:40.459
 and with all your strength,

00:20:40.699 --> 00:20:42.859
 and with all your mind,

00:20:42.959 --> 00:20:45.000
 and your neighbor as yourself,

00:20:45.199 --> 00:20:48.219
 this will get expressed.

00:20:49.319 --> 00:20:52.519
 We are not naturally merciful,

00:20:52.519 --> 00:20:56.660
 but we are called to be merciful.

00:20:57.379 --> 00:20:59.119
 Those who have been made new

00:20:59.119 --> 00:21:01.639
 in Jesus Christ will be.

00:21:02.099 --> 00:21:03.400
 This will be the evidencing

00:21:03.400 --> 00:21:05.019
 that we've been made new in Christ.

00:21:05.180 --> 00:21:07.559
 We will be merciful.

00:21:08.259 --> 00:21:10.519
 Those who have received mercy

00:21:10.519 --> 00:21:13.740
 will express mercy.

00:21:14.420 --> 00:21:14.960
 And beloved,

00:21:15.059 --> 00:21:16.500
 we do not do this perfectly.

00:21:17.779 --> 00:21:20.220
 But we should desire to do it perfectly.

00:21:20.220 --> 00:21:22.819
 We should be seeing the outworking

00:21:22.819 --> 00:21:25.480
 of these first four beatitudes.

00:21:25.960 --> 00:21:27.519
 That we recognize we're poor in spirit.

00:21:27.660 --> 00:21:28.960
 We're broken over our sin

00:21:28.960 --> 00:21:30.700
 and the sin of the world.

00:21:30.839 --> 00:21:32.380
 We find ourselves meek,

00:21:32.460 --> 00:21:34.059
 submitting ourselves to the will of the Father.

00:21:34.120 --> 00:21:35.360
 Not seeking retribution

00:21:35.360 --> 00:21:38.799
 for our own rights to be defended.

00:21:39.420 --> 00:21:40.360
 We're hungering

00:21:40.360 --> 00:21:42.740
 and we're thirsting for righteousness.

00:21:42.980 --> 00:21:45.079
 And this begins to work itself out

00:21:45.079 --> 00:21:48.019
 in things like mercy.

00:21:48.019 --> 00:21:52.440
 Now, God has in his character

00:21:52.440 --> 00:21:57.960
 incommunicable and communicable attributes.

00:21:58.180 --> 00:21:58.920
 That is to say,

00:21:59.859 --> 00:22:01.559
 incommunicable attributes

00:22:01.559 --> 00:22:03.359
 are characteristics

00:22:03.359 --> 00:22:05.579
 that we as human beings

00:22:05.579 --> 00:22:07.180
 cannot emulate.

00:22:07.900 --> 00:22:09.480
 Praise God, that's true, right?

00:22:09.519 --> 00:22:11.119
 That he's God and we're not.

00:22:11.220 --> 00:22:12.559
 He's the creator.

00:22:13.400 --> 00:22:14.619
 He created all things

00:22:14.619 --> 00:22:16.279
 and we're the created.

00:22:17.619 --> 00:22:18.799
 Some examples of this

00:22:18.799 --> 00:22:20.619
 would be God's independence.

00:22:21.779 --> 00:22:23.419
 You may remember from a while ago,

00:22:23.539 --> 00:22:24.599
 God's aseity.

00:22:25.319 --> 00:22:28.579
 That he plugs into nothing,

00:22:28.739 --> 00:22:30.059
 but everything plugs into him.

00:22:30.659 --> 00:22:32.179
 He's self-existent.

00:22:32.299 --> 00:22:32.799
 We're not.

00:22:33.039 --> 00:22:34.059
 We're dependent upon

00:22:34.059 --> 00:22:35.339
 this creator God

00:22:35.339 --> 00:22:36.159
 who has made us

00:22:36.159 --> 00:22:37.919
 and sustains us.

00:22:39.000 --> 00:22:41.699
 God is also unchangeable.

00:22:42.039 --> 00:22:42.959
 It's one of his attributes.

00:22:42.960 --> 00:22:44.340
 It's unchangeableness,

00:22:45.000 --> 00:22:45.700
 if you'll allow,

00:22:45.980 --> 00:22:47.779
 or immutability.

00:22:48.140 --> 00:22:50.539
 God does not change,

00:22:50.640 --> 00:22:51.519
 but praise the Lord,

00:22:51.600 --> 00:22:52.220
 we do,

00:22:52.559 --> 00:22:53.240
 and hopefully,

00:22:53.680 --> 00:22:55.600
 we're changing for the better.

00:22:56.799 --> 00:22:58.000
 But the communicable attributes

00:22:58.000 --> 00:22:58.840
 are things,

00:22:59.100 --> 00:23:00.160
 characteristics of God

00:23:00.160 --> 00:23:01.680
 that we can,

00:23:01.860 --> 00:23:02.440
 by grace,

00:23:02.519 --> 00:23:04.620
 and should emulate.

00:23:04.619 --> 00:23:07.099
 and merciful,

00:23:07.739 --> 00:23:08.139
 loving,

00:23:08.359 --> 00:23:08.899
 kind,

00:23:09.079 --> 00:23:09.939
 is one

00:23:09.939 --> 00:23:11.239
 of those attributes

00:23:11.239 --> 00:23:11.719
 that,

00:23:12.239 --> 00:23:13.559
 by the power that God

00:23:13.559 --> 00:23:14.579
 works within us,

00:23:14.599 --> 00:23:15.659
 we can emulate.

00:23:16.439 --> 00:23:17.359
 Not with perfection,

00:23:17.559 --> 00:23:19.399
 not the way he expresses it,

00:23:19.759 --> 00:23:20.819
 but we can be pressing

00:23:20.819 --> 00:23:21.519
 and working

00:23:21.519 --> 00:23:23.199
 in that direction.

00:23:23.339 --> 00:23:24.399
 We can serve

00:23:24.399 --> 00:23:25.799
 as image bearers

00:23:25.799 --> 00:23:26.839
 in the way

00:23:26.839 --> 00:23:27.519
 that we're merciful

00:23:27.519 --> 00:23:28.379
 to others.

00:23:29.419 --> 00:23:29.979
 Beloved,

00:23:30.019 --> 00:23:31.159
 we show ourselves

00:23:31.160 --> 00:23:33.400
 to be citizens

00:23:33.400 --> 00:23:34.519
 of the kingdom of heaven

00:23:34.519 --> 00:23:36.940
 by being merciful,

00:23:37.259 --> 00:23:38.040
 by showing

00:23:38.040 --> 00:23:39.220
 that we follow

00:23:39.220 --> 00:23:40.340
 the king

00:23:40.340 --> 00:23:42.220
 of this kingdom,

00:23:42.620 --> 00:23:44.519
 by feeding the hungry,

00:23:44.860 --> 00:23:46.259
 caring for the orphan

00:23:46.259 --> 00:23:47.440
 and the widow,

00:23:47.620 --> 00:23:48.779
 by comforting

00:23:48.779 --> 00:23:49.700
 the bereaved,

00:23:49.860 --> 00:23:51.620
 by loving the lonely

00:23:51.620 --> 00:23:52.759
 and rejected,

00:23:52.940 --> 00:23:54.120
 by forgiving

00:23:54.120 --> 00:23:55.580
 the offender,

00:23:56.019 --> 00:23:56.900
 by showing

00:23:56.900 --> 00:23:58.160
 compassion

00:23:58.160 --> 00:24:00.060
 to the destitute.

00:24:00.840 --> 00:24:01.800
 I am glad

00:24:01.800 --> 00:24:02.360
 to be part

00:24:02.360 --> 00:24:02.920
 of a church

00:24:02.920 --> 00:24:03.600
 that as I think

00:24:03.600 --> 00:24:04.620
 about what it means

00:24:04.620 --> 00:24:05.300
 to be merciful,

00:24:05.580 --> 00:24:06.460
 I can trace

00:24:06.460 --> 00:24:07.759
 acts of mercy

00:24:07.759 --> 00:24:10.220
 even in this week.

00:24:10.560 --> 00:24:11.759
 Even mercy

00:24:11.759 --> 00:24:13.759
 expressed toward me.

00:24:15.200 --> 00:24:15.820
 Paul writes

00:24:15.820 --> 00:24:16.420
 in 2 Corinthians

00:24:16.420 --> 00:24:17.259
 chapter 1

00:24:17.259 --> 00:24:19.120
 verse 3 and 4,

00:24:20.140 --> 00:24:20.960
 Blessed be the God

00:24:20.960 --> 00:24:21.220
 and Father

00:24:21.220 --> 00:24:22.500
 of our Lord Jesus Christ,

00:24:22.940 --> 00:24:24.380
 the Father of mercies

00:24:24.380 --> 00:24:25.160
 and God

00:24:25.160 --> 00:24:26.259
 of all comfort.

00:24:26.380 --> 00:24:27.140
 I read that to you

00:24:27.140 --> 00:24:27.640
 previously.

00:24:27.640 --> 00:24:28.800
 But verse 4

00:24:28.800 --> 00:24:29.640
 goes on to say,

00:24:30.600 --> 00:24:31.540
 Who comforts us

00:24:31.540 --> 00:24:32.780
 in all our affliction

00:24:32.780 --> 00:24:34.640
 so that we

00:24:34.640 --> 00:24:35.620
 may be able

00:24:35.620 --> 00:24:36.680
 to comfort those

00:24:36.680 --> 00:24:37.540
 who are in any

00:24:37.540 --> 00:24:38.160
 affliction

00:24:38.160 --> 00:24:39.660
 with the comfort

00:24:39.660 --> 00:24:40.540
 with which we

00:24:40.540 --> 00:24:41.200
 ourselves

00:24:41.200 --> 00:24:42.259
 are comforted

00:24:42.259 --> 00:24:43.320
 by God.

00:24:43.720 --> 00:24:44.180
 You see,

00:24:44.320 --> 00:24:45.160
 God comforts,

00:24:45.200 --> 00:24:46.000
 God is merciful

00:24:46.000 --> 00:24:47.000
 toward us

00:24:47.000 --> 00:24:47.840
 in our affliction

00:24:47.840 --> 00:24:49.540
 so that

00:24:49.540 --> 00:24:51.120
 we can be

00:24:51.120 --> 00:24:52.280
 comforters,

00:24:52.480 --> 00:24:53.140
 be merciful

00:24:53.140 --> 00:24:53.880
 to others

00:24:53.880 --> 00:24:55.080
 in their

00:24:55.080 --> 00:24:56.020
 affliction,

00:24:56.019 --> 00:24:57.220
 in the same

00:24:57.220 --> 00:24:58.779
 way.

00:24:59.980 --> 00:25:00.879
 So we're meant

00:25:00.879 --> 00:25:01.920
 to be merciful,

00:25:02.259 --> 00:25:02.440
 right?

00:25:02.500 --> 00:25:03.539
 By God's grace,

00:25:03.920 --> 00:25:04.460
 those of us

00:25:04.460 --> 00:25:04.799
 who have been

00:25:04.799 --> 00:25:05.379
 made new

00:25:05.379 --> 00:25:06.180
 in Christ

00:25:06.180 --> 00:25:07.299
 are meant

00:25:07.299 --> 00:25:08.000
 to live

00:25:08.000 --> 00:25:09.420
 this way.

00:25:10.559 --> 00:25:11.339
 Jesus told

00:25:11.339 --> 00:25:11.980
 a parable

00:25:11.980 --> 00:25:13.500
 as a warning

00:25:13.500 --> 00:25:14.400
 to those

00:25:14.400 --> 00:25:15.559
 who are not

00:25:15.559 --> 00:25:15.960
 merciful.

00:25:16.160 --> 00:25:16.599
 And I want you

00:25:16.599 --> 00:25:17.240
 to also turn

00:25:17.240 --> 00:25:17.700
 there with me.

00:25:17.700 --> 00:25:18.140
 So turn to

00:25:18.140 --> 00:25:18.759
 Matthew chapter

00:25:18.759 --> 00:25:19.519
 18

00:25:19.519 --> 00:25:20.740
 and verse

00:25:20.740 --> 00:25:21.420
 23.

00:25:34.539 --> 00:25:35.700
 The uninspired

00:25:35.700 --> 00:25:36.519
 subtitle you'll

00:25:36.519 --> 00:25:37.279
 probably see in

00:25:37.279 --> 00:25:38.240
 your copy of

00:25:38.240 --> 00:25:38.779
 God's word

00:25:38.779 --> 00:25:40.200
 will be

00:25:40.200 --> 00:25:41.940
 the unmerciful

00:25:41.940 --> 00:25:42.299
 servant.

00:25:43.200 --> 00:25:44.000
 It's a very

00:25:44.000 --> 00:25:45.340
 apt title

00:25:45.340 --> 00:25:45.660
 for this

00:25:45.660 --> 00:25:45.960
 parable.

00:25:45.960 --> 00:25:47.940
 Matthew

00:25:47.940 --> 00:25:48.420
 chapter 18

00:25:48.420 --> 00:25:48.819
 beginning in

00:25:48.819 --> 00:25:49.579
 verse 23

00:25:49.579 --> 00:25:50.140
 and following.

00:25:51.660 --> 00:25:52.180
 Jesus said

00:25:52.180 --> 00:25:52.759
 the kingdom

00:25:52.759 --> 00:25:53.340
 of heaven

00:25:53.340 --> 00:25:54.660
 may be

00:25:54.660 --> 00:25:55.400
 compared to

00:25:55.400 --> 00:25:55.920
 a king

00:25:55.920 --> 00:25:56.460
 who wished

00:25:56.460 --> 00:25:57.059
 to settle

00:25:57.059 --> 00:25:57.759
 accounts

00:25:57.759 --> 00:25:58.539
 with the

00:25:58.539 --> 00:25:58.860
 servants.

00:25:58.940 --> 00:25:59.180
 So you see

00:25:59.180 --> 00:25:59.680
 very careful

00:25:59.680 --> 00:26:00.039
 what he's

00:26:00.039 --> 00:26:00.500
 saying here,

00:26:00.539 --> 00:26:00.740
 right?

00:26:00.799 --> 00:26:01.100
 He's saying

00:26:01.100 --> 00:26:01.960
 this is what

00:26:01.960 --> 00:26:02.460
 the kingdom

00:26:02.460 --> 00:26:02.920
 of heaven

00:26:02.920 --> 00:26:03.700
 is like.

00:26:03.799 --> 00:26:04.019
 This is

00:26:04.019 --> 00:26:04.559
 how it

00:26:04.559 --> 00:26:05.660
 operates.

00:26:06.880 --> 00:26:07.700
 As those

00:26:07.700 --> 00:26:08.220
 who are

00:26:08.220 --> 00:26:09.220
 either in

00:26:09.220 --> 00:26:09.940
 that kingdom

00:26:09.940 --> 00:26:11.140
 or those

00:26:11.140 --> 00:26:11.759
 who are not

00:26:11.759 --> 00:26:12.500
 but may be

00:26:12.500 --> 00:26:13.380
 looking into

00:26:13.380 --> 00:26:13.920
 it and

00:26:13.920 --> 00:26:14.500
 desiring to

00:26:14.500 --> 00:26:14.980
 be part

00:26:14.980 --> 00:26:15.400
 of it,

00:26:15.400 --> 00:26:16.560
 we should

00:26:16.560 --> 00:26:17.200
 really listen

00:26:17.200 --> 00:26:17.820
 to what's

00:26:17.820 --> 00:26:18.300
 being said

00:26:18.300 --> 00:26:19.500
 here by

00:26:19.500 --> 00:26:19.759
 our Lord

00:26:19.759 --> 00:26:20.140
 and Savior.

00:26:20.920 --> 00:26:21.400
 Verse 24,

00:26:21.519 --> 00:26:21.720
 when he

00:26:21.720 --> 00:26:22.840
 began to

00:26:22.840 --> 00:26:23.200
 settle,

00:26:24.220 --> 00:26:24.900
 one was

00:26:24.900 --> 00:26:25.300
 brought to

00:26:25.300 --> 00:26:25.660
 him who

00:26:25.660 --> 00:26:26.400
 owed him

00:26:26.400 --> 00:26:27.980
 10,000

00:26:27.980 --> 00:26:29.040
 talents.

00:26:29.519 --> 00:26:29.780
 Now,

00:26:29.880 --> 00:26:30.440
 this is a

00:26:30.440 --> 00:26:31.460
 staggering

00:26:31.460 --> 00:26:32.519
 sum of

00:26:32.519 --> 00:26:32.800
 money.

00:26:33.600 --> 00:26:33.920
 You'll see

00:26:33.920 --> 00:26:34.200
 people,

00:26:34.300 --> 00:26:34.500
 they'll try

00:26:34.500 --> 00:26:34.720
 to say

00:26:34.720 --> 00:26:34.960
 this would

00:26:34.960 --> 00:26:35.220
 be like

00:26:35.220 --> 00:26:35.519
 millions

00:26:35.519 --> 00:26:35.900
 and millions

00:26:35.900 --> 00:26:36.280
 of dollars

00:26:36.280 --> 00:26:36.620
 today,

00:26:36.740 --> 00:26:39.000
 but it's

00:26:39.000 --> 00:26:39.420
 not really

00:26:39.420 --> 00:26:39.759
 an amount

00:26:39.759 --> 00:26:40.019
 you could

00:26:40.019 --> 00:26:40.280
 put a

00:26:40.280 --> 00:26:40.860
 figure on.

00:26:41.220 --> 00:26:41.820
 A talent

00:26:41.819 --> 00:26:43.579
 was the

00:26:43.579 --> 00:26:44.240
 largest

00:26:44.240 --> 00:26:45.480
 unit in

00:26:45.480 --> 00:26:46.279
 that modern

00:26:46.279 --> 00:26:46.899
 in the day

00:26:46.899 --> 00:26:47.740
 of currency,

00:26:47.980 --> 00:26:48.659
 the largest

00:26:48.659 --> 00:26:49.379
 unit,

00:26:49.939 --> 00:26:51.639
 and 10,000

00:26:51.639 --> 00:26:52.039
 was the

00:26:52.039 --> 00:26:53.000
 highest figure

00:26:53.000 --> 00:26:54.059
 used in

00:26:54.059 --> 00:26:54.419
 ancient

00:26:54.419 --> 00:26:54.879
 accounting.

00:26:55.099 --> 00:26:55.419
 So he's

00:26:55.419 --> 00:26:55.799
 using the

00:26:55.799 --> 00:26:56.259
 two very

00:26:56.259 --> 00:26:57.279
 highest numbers

00:26:57.279 --> 00:26:57.980
 he possibly

00:26:57.980 --> 00:26:58.759
 could use

00:26:58.759 --> 00:26:59.679
 in this case

00:26:59.679 --> 00:27:00.179
 to say this

00:27:00.179 --> 00:27:00.559
 was an

00:27:00.559 --> 00:27:01.740
 astounding

00:27:01.740 --> 00:27:02.299
 debt.

00:27:02.559 --> 00:27:03.079
 This was a

00:27:03.079 --> 00:27:03.679
 debt that

00:27:03.679 --> 00:27:04.399
 was not

00:27:04.399 --> 00:27:04.859
 going to

00:27:04.859 --> 00:27:06.879
 be repaid.

00:27:06.880 --> 00:27:09.500
 Verse 25

00:27:09.500 --> 00:27:11.200
 And since

00:27:11.200 --> 00:27:11.940
 he could

00:27:11.940 --> 00:27:12.440
 not pay,

00:27:13.520 --> 00:27:14.040
 his master

00:27:14.040 --> 00:27:14.600
 ordered him

00:27:14.600 --> 00:27:15.400
 to be sold

00:27:15.400 --> 00:27:15.740
 with his

00:27:15.740 --> 00:27:16.160
 wife and

00:27:16.160 --> 00:27:16.640
 children and

00:27:16.640 --> 00:27:17.040
 all that

00:27:17.040 --> 00:27:17.520
 he had

00:27:17.520 --> 00:27:18.940
 and payment

00:27:18.940 --> 00:27:19.420
 to be

00:27:19.420 --> 00:27:19.840
 made.

00:27:20.920 --> 00:27:21.580
 So the

00:27:21.580 --> 00:27:22.080
 servant fell

00:27:22.080 --> 00:27:22.360
 on his

00:27:22.360 --> 00:27:22.760
 knees,

00:27:23.740 --> 00:27:24.280
 imploring

00:27:24.280 --> 00:27:24.660
 him,

00:27:25.240 --> 00:27:25.900
 have patience

00:27:25.900 --> 00:27:26.380
 with me

00:27:26.380 --> 00:27:27.080
 and I will

00:27:27.080 --> 00:27:27.400
 pay you

00:27:27.400 --> 00:27:27.740
 everything.

00:27:29.000 --> 00:27:29.400
 And out

00:27:29.400 --> 00:27:29.800
 of pity

00:27:29.800 --> 00:27:30.160
 for him,

00:27:30.220 --> 00:27:30.660
 the master

00:27:30.660 --> 00:27:30.900
 of that

00:27:30.900 --> 00:27:31.100
 servant

00:27:31.100 --> 00:27:31.820
 released him

00:27:31.820 --> 00:27:32.460
 and forgave

00:27:32.460 --> 00:27:33.620
 him the

00:27:33.620 --> 00:27:33.980
 debt.

00:27:34.500 --> 00:27:34.820
 What an

00:27:34.820 --> 00:27:35.260
 astounding

00:27:35.260 --> 00:27:35.660
 thing.

00:27:35.820 --> 00:27:35.880
 This

00:27:35.880 --> 00:27:36.860
 unpay

00:27:36.859 --> 00:27:37.139
able

00:27:37.139 --> 00:27:38.039
 debt.

00:27:38.279 --> 00:27:39.399
 He deserved

00:27:39.399 --> 00:27:39.979
 to be

00:27:39.979 --> 00:27:40.959
 sold and

00:27:40.959 --> 00:27:41.219
 to be

00:27:41.219 --> 00:27:41.619
 punished

00:27:41.619 --> 00:27:42.119
 until he

00:27:42.119 --> 00:27:42.379
 could pay

00:27:42.379 --> 00:27:42.779
 the debt.

00:27:43.599 --> 00:27:44.059
 And this

00:27:44.059 --> 00:27:44.819
 servant says

00:27:44.819 --> 00:27:45.159
 there's not

00:27:45.159 --> 00:27:45.719
 a chance

00:27:45.719 --> 00:27:46.019
 I'll pay

00:27:46.019 --> 00:27:46.399
 it back.

00:27:46.539 --> 00:27:47.000
 Have

00:27:47.000 --> 00:27:47.979
 mercy

00:27:47.979 --> 00:27:49.039
 on me.

00:27:49.419 --> 00:27:49.859
 And he's

00:27:49.859 --> 00:27:50.240
 forgiven

00:27:50.240 --> 00:27:51.139
 the debt.

00:27:52.000 --> 00:27:52.619
 Verse 28

00:27:52.619 --> 00:27:54.059
 But when the

00:27:54.059 --> 00:27:54.539
 same servant

00:27:54.539 --> 00:27:54.919
 went out,

00:27:55.000 --> 00:27:55.379
 he found

00:27:55.379 --> 00:27:55.819
 one of his

00:27:55.819 --> 00:27:56.439
 fellow servants

00:27:56.439 --> 00:27:56.899
 who owed

00:27:56.899 --> 00:27:57.699
 him a

00:27:57.699 --> 00:27:58.079
 hundred

00:27:58.079 --> 00:27:58.859
 denarii.

00:27:59.319 --> 00:28:00.099
 And seizing

00:28:00.099 --> 00:28:00.379
 him,

00:28:00.439 --> 00:28:00.919
 he began

00:28:00.919 --> 00:28:01.539
 to choke

00:28:01.539 --> 00:28:01.799
 him,

00:28:01.919 --> 00:28:02.240
 saying,

00:28:02.379 --> 00:28:02.779
 pay what

00:28:02.779 --> 00:28:03.240
 you owe.

00:28:04.479 --> 00:28:04.819
 Now,

00:28:04.919 --> 00:28:05.240
 this is

00:28:05.240 --> 00:28:05.959
 comparatively

00:28:05.960 --> 00:28:06.920
 a hundred

00:28:06.920 --> 00:28:07.380
 denarii,

00:28:07.500 --> 00:28:08.059
 comparatively

00:28:08.059 --> 00:28:09.120
 a fraction

00:28:09.120 --> 00:28:10.299
 of what he

00:28:10.299 --> 00:28:10.559
 owed his

00:28:10.559 --> 00:28:10.920
 master.

00:28:11.500 --> 00:28:11.779
 It's a

00:28:11.779 --> 00:28:12.200
 fraction.

00:28:13.559 --> 00:28:14.220
 A denarius

00:28:14.220 --> 00:28:15.039
 being the

00:28:15.039 --> 00:28:15.779
 common silver

00:28:15.779 --> 00:28:16.220
 coin of the

00:28:16.220 --> 00:28:16.460
 day,

00:28:16.720 --> 00:28:18.240
 was equivalent

00:28:18.240 --> 00:28:18.900
 to about a

00:28:18.900 --> 00:28:20.019
 day's wage

00:28:20.019 --> 00:28:20.519
 for a

00:28:20.519 --> 00:28:21.480
 laborer.

00:28:21.600 --> 00:28:22.160
 Kind of the

00:28:22.160 --> 00:28:22.960
 typical blue

00:28:22.960 --> 00:28:23.840
 collar wage

00:28:23.840 --> 00:28:24.340
 of the day.

00:28:24.880 --> 00:28:25.559
 So I think

00:28:25.559 --> 00:28:26.059
 it's important

00:28:26.059 --> 00:28:26.500
 for us to

00:28:26.500 --> 00:28:26.940
 note that

00:28:26.940 --> 00:28:27.539
 this is still

00:28:27.539 --> 00:28:28.039
 a great

00:28:28.039 --> 00:28:28.440
 sum.

00:28:28.559 --> 00:28:28.819
 This is

00:28:28.819 --> 00:28:30.079
 three months

00:28:30.079 --> 00:28:31.180
 wages.

00:28:31.180 --> 00:28:32.380
 I think

00:28:32.380 --> 00:28:32.779
 about three

00:28:32.779 --> 00:28:33.360
 months wages.

00:28:33.560 --> 00:28:33.820
 Man,

00:28:33.900 --> 00:28:34.220
 that's a

00:28:34.220 --> 00:28:34.539
 debt.

00:28:34.620 --> 00:28:34.940
 That's a

00:28:34.940 --> 00:28:35.799
 debt owed.

00:28:36.080 --> 00:28:36.200
 Right?

00:28:36.640 --> 00:28:37.860
 But it's

00:28:37.860 --> 00:28:38.580
 relatively

00:28:38.580 --> 00:28:40.019
 insignificant.

00:28:40.860 --> 00:28:41.220
 It's

00:28:41.220 --> 00:28:41.779
 relatively

00:28:41.779 --> 00:28:42.960
 insignificant.

00:28:44.539 --> 00:28:45.460
 Verse 29.

00:28:46.460 --> 00:28:47.160
 So his

00:28:47.160 --> 00:28:47.779
 fellow servant

00:28:47.779 --> 00:28:48.480
 fell down

00:28:48.480 --> 00:28:48.920
 and pleaded

00:28:48.920 --> 00:28:49.380
 with him,

00:28:49.860 --> 00:28:50.779
 have patience

00:28:50.779 --> 00:28:51.299
 with me

00:28:51.299 --> 00:28:52.240
 and I

00:28:52.240 --> 00:28:52.900
 will pay

00:28:52.900 --> 00:28:53.180
 you.

00:28:54.220 --> 00:28:55.299
 He refused

00:28:55.299 --> 00:28:56.299
 and went

00:28:56.299 --> 00:28:56.740
 and put him

00:28:56.740 --> 00:28:57.180
 in prison

00:28:57.180 --> 00:28:58.060
 until he

00:28:58.060 --> 00:28:58.539
 should pay

00:28:58.539 --> 00:28:59.200
 the debt.

00:28:59.200 --> 00:29:00.580
 When his

00:29:00.580 --> 00:29:01.140
 fellow servant

00:29:01.140 --> 00:29:01.759
 saw what

00:29:01.759 --> 00:29:02.019
 had taken

00:29:02.019 --> 00:29:02.400
 place,

00:29:02.480 --> 00:29:02.680
 they were

00:29:02.680 --> 00:29:03.039
 greatly

00:29:03.039 --> 00:29:03.620
 distressed

00:29:03.620 --> 00:29:03.920
 and they

00:29:03.920 --> 00:29:04.259
 went and

00:29:04.259 --> 00:29:04.880
 reported to

00:29:04.880 --> 00:29:05.380
 their master

00:29:05.380 --> 00:29:05.860
 all that

00:29:05.860 --> 00:29:06.160
 had taken

00:29:06.160 --> 00:29:06.600
 place.

00:29:07.600 --> 00:29:08.120
 Then his

00:29:08.120 --> 00:29:08.860
 master summoned

00:29:08.860 --> 00:29:09.240
 him and

00:29:09.240 --> 00:29:09.559
 said to

00:29:09.559 --> 00:29:09.880
 him,

00:29:10.420 --> 00:29:10.940
 you wicked

00:29:10.940 --> 00:29:11.319
 servant,

00:29:11.840 --> 00:29:12.500
 I forgave

00:29:12.500 --> 00:29:13.180
 you all

00:29:13.180 --> 00:29:13.799
 that debt

00:29:13.799 --> 00:29:14.259
 because you

00:29:14.259 --> 00:29:14.759
 pleaded with

00:29:14.759 --> 00:29:15.559
 me and

00:29:15.559 --> 00:29:16.039
 should not

00:29:16.039 --> 00:29:16.640
 you have

00:29:16.640 --> 00:29:17.360
 had mercy

00:29:17.360 --> 00:29:17.759
 on your

00:29:17.759 --> 00:29:18.440
 fellow servant

00:29:18.440 --> 00:29:19.080
 as I

00:29:19.080 --> 00:29:20.000
 had mercy

00:29:20.000 --> 00:29:20.940
 on you.

00:29:21.660 --> 00:29:22.140
 And in

00:29:22.140 --> 00:29:22.480
 anger,

00:29:22.580 --> 00:29:22.860
 his master

00:29:22.860 --> 00:29:23.360
 delivered him

00:29:23.360 --> 00:29:23.559
 to the

00:29:23.559 --> 00:29:24.140
 jailers until

00:29:24.140 --> 00:29:24.420
 he should

00:29:24.420 --> 00:29:25.380
 pay all

00:29:25.380 --> 00:29:25.880
 his debt.

00:29:26.340 --> 00:29:27.059
 So also

00:29:27.059 --> 00:29:28.080
 my heavenly

00:29:28.080 --> 00:29:28.799
 father will

00:29:28.799 --> 00:29:29.240
 do to

00:29:29.240 --> 00:29:30.079
 every one

00:29:30.079 --> 00:29:30.500
 of you

00:29:30.500 --> 00:29:30.839
 if you

00:29:30.839 --> 00:29:31.339
 do not

00:29:31.339 --> 00:29:32.139
 forgive

00:29:32.139 --> 00:29:33.139
 your brother

00:29:33.139 --> 00:29:34.220
 from your

00:29:34.220 --> 00:29:34.599
 heart.

00:29:35.480 --> 00:29:36.579
 So here

00:29:36.579 --> 00:29:37.180
 we see

00:29:37.180 --> 00:29:38.859
 a man

00:29:38.859 --> 00:29:39.159
 who has

00:29:39.159 --> 00:29:39.799
 received

00:29:39.799 --> 00:29:41.279
 astounding

00:29:41.279 --> 00:29:42.559
 mercy,

00:29:43.440 --> 00:29:44.879
 this offer

00:29:44.879 --> 00:29:45.759
 of forgiveness

00:29:45.759 --> 00:29:46.659
 of his debt,

00:29:46.819 --> 00:29:47.039
 but he

00:29:47.039 --> 00:29:48.059
 doesn't turn

00:29:48.059 --> 00:29:48.839
 and offer

00:29:48.839 --> 00:29:50.180
 the same.

00:29:50.480 --> 00:29:50.740
 Jesus is

00:29:50.740 --> 00:29:51.039
 saying this

00:29:51.039 --> 00:29:51.500
 is what the

00:29:51.500 --> 00:29:52.000
 kingdom of

00:29:52.000 --> 00:29:53.159
 heaven could

00:29:53.159 --> 00:29:53.740
 be compared

00:29:53.740 --> 00:29:54.139
 to.

00:29:54.919 --> 00:29:55.559
 We,

00:29:56.399 --> 00:29:56.879
 owing

00:29:56.880 --> 00:29:58.220
 an astounding

00:29:58.220 --> 00:29:59.260
 unpayable

00:29:59.260 --> 00:30:00.240
 infinite

00:30:00.240 --> 00:30:01.220
 debt

00:30:01.220 --> 00:30:02.200
 to God

00:30:02.200 --> 00:30:03.700
 have seen

00:30:03.700 --> 00:30:04.580
 by faith

00:30:04.580 --> 00:30:05.720
 that debt

00:30:05.720 --> 00:30:06.400
 canceled

00:30:06.400 --> 00:30:07.640
 and the

00:30:07.640 --> 00:30:08.100
 infinite

00:30:08.100 --> 00:30:08.600
 righteousness

00:30:08.600 --> 00:30:09.300
 of Christ

00:30:09.300 --> 00:30:09.780
 credited

00:30:09.780 --> 00:30:10.580
 to us

00:30:10.580 --> 00:30:11.880
 and so

00:30:11.880 --> 00:30:12.520
 we ought

00:30:12.520 --> 00:30:13.060
 to then

00:30:13.060 --> 00:30:13.760
 turn and

00:30:13.760 --> 00:30:14.360
 offer

00:30:14.360 --> 00:30:14.940
 the same

00:30:14.940 --> 00:30:15.860
 kind of

00:30:15.860 --> 00:30:16.240
 forgiveness

00:30:16.240 --> 00:30:17.760
 to others.

00:30:18.140 --> 00:30:18.260
 Right?

00:30:18.680 --> 00:30:19.220
 Little

00:30:19.220 --> 00:30:20.680
 infinitesimal

00:30:20.680 --> 00:30:21.420
 debts now

00:30:21.420 --> 00:30:21.960
 owed us.

00:30:22.060 --> 00:30:22.320
 We ought to

00:30:22.320 --> 00:30:22.720
 be turning

00:30:22.720 --> 00:30:23.320
 around to

00:30:23.319 --> 00:30:23.740
 others

00:30:23.740 --> 00:30:24.799
 and offering

00:30:24.799 --> 00:30:25.500
 them an

00:30:25.500 --> 00:30:26.399
 astounding

00:30:26.399 --> 00:30:26.919
 amount

00:30:26.919 --> 00:30:28.099
 of mercy.

00:30:28.960 --> 00:30:29.399
 Beloved,

00:30:29.460 --> 00:30:30.159
 it is wrong

00:30:30.159 --> 00:30:30.679
 for the church

00:30:30.679 --> 00:30:31.159
 not to be

00:30:31.159 --> 00:30:31.500
 part of

00:30:31.500 --> 00:30:32.220
 mercy ministries

00:30:32.220 --> 00:30:32.700
 because we

00:30:32.700 --> 00:30:33.119
 pay our

00:30:33.119 --> 00:30:33.500
 taxes.

00:30:34.980 --> 00:30:36.139
 It is wrong

00:30:36.139 --> 00:30:36.639
 for us to

00:30:36.639 --> 00:30:37.619
 feel embittered

00:30:37.619 --> 00:30:38.179
 towards those

00:30:38.179 --> 00:30:38.579
 who take

00:30:38.579 --> 00:30:39.240
 advantage

00:30:39.240 --> 00:30:40.059
 of social

00:30:40.059 --> 00:30:40.559
 welfare.

00:30:41.059 --> 00:30:41.740
 We ought

00:30:41.740 --> 00:30:42.200
 to go

00:30:42.200 --> 00:30:42.779
 to them,

00:30:43.019 --> 00:30:43.179
 right?

00:30:43.599 --> 00:30:44.119
 Hearts

00:30:44.119 --> 00:30:45.179
 recognizing

00:30:45.179 --> 00:30:45.759
 that we

00:30:45.759 --> 00:30:46.559
 have been

00:30:46.559 --> 00:30:47.119
 forgiven,

00:30:47.539 --> 00:30:48.139
 that we

00:30:48.139 --> 00:30:49.039
 have taken

00:30:49.039 --> 00:30:50.240
 advantage

00:30:50.240 --> 00:30:51.639
 and offer

00:30:51.639 --> 00:30:52.439
 great

00:30:52.439 --> 00:30:53.019
 mercy.

00:30:53.319 --> 00:30:53.939
 to these

00:30:53.939 --> 00:30:54.279
 people.

00:30:54.819 --> 00:30:55.519
 This is

00:30:55.519 --> 00:30:56.019
 the way

00:30:56.019 --> 00:30:56.240
 we're

00:30:56.240 --> 00:30:56.759
 meant to

00:30:56.759 --> 00:30:57.639
 live as

00:30:57.639 --> 00:30:58.939
 citizens of

00:30:58.939 --> 00:30:59.319
 the kingdom

00:30:59.319 --> 00:31:00.359
 of heaven.

00:31:01.619 --> 00:31:02.319
 And so

00:31:02.319 --> 00:31:02.859
 why does

00:31:02.859 --> 00:31:03.299
 Jesus

00:31:03.299 --> 00:31:04.119
 declare

00:31:04.119 --> 00:31:04.639
 blessed

00:31:04.639 --> 00:31:06.399
 these

00:31:06.399 --> 00:31:06.779
 people,

00:31:06.960 --> 00:31:07.139
 these

00:31:07.139 --> 00:31:07.919
 merciful

00:31:07.919 --> 00:31:09.639
 people?

00:31:10.339 --> 00:31:10.720
 And our

00:31:10.720 --> 00:31:11.339
 text says,

00:31:11.879 --> 00:31:12.279
 for they

00:31:12.279 --> 00:31:12.939
 shall

00:31:12.939 --> 00:31:14.220
 receive

00:31:14.220 --> 00:31:15.279
 mercy.

00:31:16.399 --> 00:31:17.119
 Those

00:31:17.119 --> 00:31:17.899
 who have

00:31:17.899 --> 00:31:18.159
 received

00:31:18.159 --> 00:31:18.819
 mercy will

00:31:18.819 --> 00:31:19.379
 be merciful

00:31:19.379 --> 00:31:20.399
 and

00:31:20.399 --> 00:31:20.799
 therefore

00:31:20.799 --> 00:31:21.279
 will

00:31:21.279 --> 00:31:21.939
 receive

00:31:21.939 --> 00:31:22.460
 mercy.

00:31:22.619 --> 00:31:22.799
 It's a

00:31:22.799 --> 00:31:23.220
 great big

00:31:23.220 --> 00:31:24.419
 mercy loop.

00:31:26.180 --> 00:31:26.659
 In

00:31:26.659 --> 00:31:26.839
 Matthew

00:31:26.839 --> 00:31:27.059
 chapter

00:31:27.059 --> 00:31:27.720
 25,

00:31:27.819 --> 00:31:28.480
 verse 31

00:31:28.480 --> 00:31:29.240
 and following,

00:31:29.440 --> 00:31:29.659
 Jesus

00:31:29.659 --> 00:31:30.700
 speaks of

00:31:30.700 --> 00:31:31.279
 the final

00:31:31.279 --> 00:31:31.819
 judgment

00:31:31.819 --> 00:31:32.519
 and the

00:31:32.519 --> 00:31:33.519
 basis for

00:31:33.519 --> 00:31:33.740
 his

00:31:33.740 --> 00:31:34.159
 judgment,

00:31:34.639 --> 00:31:35.000
 as we

00:31:35.000 --> 00:31:35.579
 will see,

00:31:36.220 --> 00:31:37.119
 is mercy

00:31:37.119 --> 00:31:38.500
 shown to

00:31:38.500 --> 00:31:38.779
 others.

00:31:38.839 --> 00:31:39.339
 So join me

00:31:39.339 --> 00:31:39.599
 there.

00:31:39.720 --> 00:31:39.879
 I know

00:31:39.879 --> 00:31:40.319
 there's a lot

00:31:40.319 --> 00:31:40.679
 of text

00:31:40.679 --> 00:31:41.099
 today.

00:31:51.779 --> 00:31:52.339
 Matthew

00:31:52.339 --> 00:31:53.419
 chapter 25.

00:31:56.319 --> 00:31:57.119
 Now hear me

00:31:57.119 --> 00:31:57.799
 carefully as we

00:31:57.799 --> 00:31:58.439
 read this.

00:31:59.220 --> 00:32:00.119
 We are not

00:32:00.119 --> 00:32:01.399
 saying that

00:32:01.399 --> 00:32:02.079
 because we're

00:32:02.079 --> 00:32:02.700
 merciful, we

00:32:02.700 --> 00:32:03.339
 earn God's

00:32:03.339 --> 00:32:03.639
 favor.

00:32:04.359 --> 00:32:05.039
 We've been

00:32:05.039 --> 00:32:06.099
 shown mercy

00:32:06.099 --> 00:32:07.419
 and so we're

00:32:07.419 --> 00:32:08.259
 merciful, right?

00:32:08.259 --> 00:32:08.779
 We're found

00:32:08.779 --> 00:32:09.180
 in him.

00:32:09.240 --> 00:32:09.339
 We're

00:32:09.339 --> 00:32:09.920
 citizens of

00:32:09.920 --> 00:32:10.319
 the kingdom

00:32:10.319 --> 00:32:11.079
 and this

00:32:11.079 --> 00:32:11.420
 is the

00:32:11.420 --> 00:32:12.180
 evidence,

00:32:12.559 --> 00:32:12.740
 right?

00:32:12.799 --> 00:32:13.279
 This is the

00:32:13.279 --> 00:32:14.200
 evidence that

00:32:14.200 --> 00:32:14.799
 we've received

00:32:14.799 --> 00:32:15.140
 the mercy

00:32:15.140 --> 00:32:15.680
 of God

00:32:15.680 --> 00:32:17.079
 and will

00:32:17.079 --> 00:32:17.839
 fully and

00:32:17.839 --> 00:32:18.700
 finally receive

00:32:18.700 --> 00:32:19.519
 the mercy

00:32:19.519 --> 00:32:20.319
 of God.

00:32:20.379 --> 00:32:20.920
 So do not

00:32:20.920 --> 00:32:21.720
 get that wrong.

00:32:21.879 --> 00:32:22.460
 No one is

00:32:22.460 --> 00:32:22.940
 saying that

00:32:22.940 --> 00:32:23.420
 we're saved

00:32:23.420 --> 00:32:24.019
 by our

00:32:24.019 --> 00:32:25.279
 works here.

00:32:25.980 --> 00:32:26.420
 Listen to what

00:32:26.420 --> 00:32:26.859
 Jesus says,

00:32:26.980 --> 00:32:27.440
 verse 31

00:32:27.440 --> 00:32:27.940
 and following.

00:32:28.940 --> 00:32:29.519
 When the

00:32:29.519 --> 00:32:30.119
 Son of Man

00:32:30.119 --> 00:32:30.680
 comes in

00:32:30.680 --> 00:32:31.119
 his glory

00:32:31.119 --> 00:32:31.759
 and all

00:32:31.759 --> 00:32:32.279
 the angels

00:32:32.279 --> 00:32:32.839
 with him,

00:32:33.039 --> 00:32:33.619
 then he will

00:32:33.619 --> 00:32:34.680
 sit on his

00:32:34.680 --> 00:32:35.799
 glorious throne.

00:32:35.799 --> 00:32:37.460
 Before him

00:32:37.460 --> 00:32:38.119
 will be gathered

00:32:38.119 --> 00:32:39.220
 all the nations

00:32:39.220 --> 00:32:39.639
 and he will

00:32:39.639 --> 00:32:40.559
 separate people

00:32:40.559 --> 00:32:41.639
 one from

00:32:41.639 --> 00:32:42.460
 another as a

00:32:42.460 --> 00:32:43.539
 shepherd separates

00:32:43.539 --> 00:32:44.200
 the sheep

00:32:44.200 --> 00:32:45.460
 from the goats

00:32:45.460 --> 00:32:46.599
 and he will

00:32:46.599 --> 00:32:47.379
 place the sheep

00:32:47.379 --> 00:32:48.299
 on his right

00:32:48.299 --> 00:32:49.680
 but the goats

00:32:49.680 --> 00:32:51.180
 on his left.

00:32:51.460 --> 00:32:51.859
 So there's going

00:32:51.859 --> 00:32:52.359
 to be this final

00:32:52.359 --> 00:32:52.720
 judgment.

00:32:52.819 --> 00:32:52.980
 There's going

00:32:52.980 --> 00:32:53.240
 to be a

00:32:53.240 --> 00:32:53.899
 separation

00:32:53.899 --> 00:32:55.799
 and we want

00:32:55.799 --> 00:32:56.279
 to be counted

00:32:56.279 --> 00:32:56.759
 among the

00:32:56.759 --> 00:32:57.019
 sheep.

00:32:57.779 --> 00:32:58.460
 Those who are

00:32:58.460 --> 00:32:59.220
 placed in the

00:32:59.220 --> 00:33:00.259
 place of honor

00:33:00.259 --> 00:33:01.579
 at the right

00:33:01.579 --> 00:33:02.440
 of the glorious

00:33:02.440 --> 00:33:03.519
 throne.

00:33:03.519 --> 00:33:05.900
 Verse 34

00:33:05.900 --> 00:33:06.559
 Then the king

00:33:06.559 --> 00:33:07.139
 will say to

00:33:07.139 --> 00:33:07.619
 those on his

00:33:07.619 --> 00:33:07.940
 right,

00:33:08.220 --> 00:33:09.680
 Come you

00:33:09.680 --> 00:33:10.359
 who are blessed

00:33:10.359 --> 00:33:11.279
 by my father.

00:33:11.960 --> 00:33:12.519
 Inherit the

00:33:12.519 --> 00:33:13.319
 kingdom prepared

00:33:13.319 --> 00:33:13.900
 for you from

00:33:13.900 --> 00:33:14.559
 the foundation

00:33:14.559 --> 00:33:15.599
 of the world.

00:33:16.259 --> 00:33:16.920
 For I was

00:33:16.920 --> 00:33:17.740
 hungry and

00:33:17.740 --> 00:33:18.119
 you gave me

00:33:18.119 --> 00:33:18.480
 food.

00:33:18.900 --> 00:33:19.839
 I was thirsty

00:33:19.839 --> 00:33:20.660
 and you gave

00:33:20.660 --> 00:33:21.240
 me drink.

00:33:21.660 --> 00:33:22.279
 I was a

00:33:22.279 --> 00:33:23.519
 stranger and

00:33:23.519 --> 00:33:24.019
 you welcomed

00:33:24.019 --> 00:33:24.299
 me.

00:33:24.759 --> 00:33:25.599
 I was naked

00:33:25.599 --> 00:33:26.660
 and you clothed

00:33:26.660 --> 00:33:26.839
 me.

00:33:27.200 --> 00:33:28.160
 I was sick

00:33:28.160 --> 00:33:28.960
 and you visited

00:33:28.960 --> 00:33:29.259
 me.

00:33:29.660 --> 00:33:30.299
 I was in

00:33:30.299 --> 00:33:31.720
 prison and

00:33:31.720 --> 00:33:32.319
 you came to

00:33:32.319 --> 00:33:32.599
 me.

00:33:32.599 --> 00:33:33.879
 All things,

00:33:34.059 --> 00:33:34.919
 all things

00:33:34.919 --> 00:33:35.759
 that we can

00:33:35.759 --> 00:33:36.179
 do.

00:33:36.980 --> 00:33:37.799
 Verse 37

00:33:37.799 --> 00:33:38.899
 Then the

00:33:38.899 --> 00:33:39.339
 righteous will

00:33:39.339 --> 00:33:39.819
 answer him

00:33:39.819 --> 00:33:40.199
 saying,

00:33:40.699 --> 00:33:40.899
 Lord,

00:33:41.019 --> 00:33:41.759
 when did we

00:33:41.759 --> 00:33:42.639
 see you hungry

00:33:42.639 --> 00:33:43.359
 and feed you

00:33:43.359 --> 00:33:43.859
 or thirsty

00:33:43.859 --> 00:33:44.819
 and give you

00:33:44.819 --> 00:33:45.240
 drink?

00:33:46.199 --> 00:33:46.740
 And when

00:33:46.740 --> 00:33:47.159
 do we see

00:33:47.159 --> 00:33:48.899
 you a stranger

00:33:48.899 --> 00:33:49.359
 and welcome

00:33:49.359 --> 00:33:49.899
 you or naked

00:33:49.899 --> 00:33:50.939
 and clothe

00:33:50.939 --> 00:33:51.079
 you?

00:33:51.119 --> 00:33:51.359
 And when

00:33:51.359 --> 00:33:51.819
 do we see

00:33:51.819 --> 00:33:52.379
 you sick

00:33:52.379 --> 00:33:52.740
 or in

00:33:52.740 --> 00:33:53.339
 prison and

00:33:53.339 --> 00:33:54.199
 visit you?

00:33:55.319 --> 00:33:55.699
 And the

00:33:55.699 --> 00:33:56.000
 king will

00:33:56.000 --> 00:33:56.539
 answer them,

00:33:56.799 --> 00:33:57.059
 Truly,

00:33:57.259 --> 00:33:57.679
 I say to

00:33:57.679 --> 00:33:58.000
 you,

00:33:58.619 --> 00:33:59.159
 as you did

00:33:59.159 --> 00:33:59.639
 it to one

00:33:59.639 --> 00:34:00.119
 of the least

00:34:00.119 --> 00:34:00.699
 of these,

00:34:00.899 --> 00:34:01.459
 my brothers,

00:34:01.460 --> 00:34:02.559
 you did

00:34:02.559 --> 00:34:03.620
 it to

00:34:03.620 --> 00:34:03.940
 me.

00:34:05.279 --> 00:34:05.960
 I pray

00:34:05.960 --> 00:34:06.279
 that you

00:34:06.279 --> 00:34:07.500
 count yourself

00:34:07.500 --> 00:34:08.240
 and that

00:34:08.240 --> 00:34:09.280
 others who

00:34:09.280 --> 00:34:09.920
 are examining

00:34:09.920 --> 00:34:10.659
 your life

00:34:10.659 --> 00:34:11.280
 count you

00:34:11.280 --> 00:34:12.780
 among these

00:34:12.780 --> 00:34:13.619
 blessed

00:34:13.619 --> 00:34:14.659
 sheep.

00:34:14.980 --> 00:34:15.800
 That we

00:34:15.800 --> 00:34:16.220
 can say of

00:34:16.220 --> 00:34:16.820
 ourselves and

00:34:16.820 --> 00:34:17.179
 that people

00:34:17.179 --> 00:34:17.420
 who are

00:34:17.420 --> 00:34:18.240
 around us

00:34:18.240 --> 00:34:18.780
 looking at

00:34:18.780 --> 00:34:19.240
 our lives

00:34:19.240 --> 00:34:19.740
 or inviting

00:34:19.740 --> 00:34:20.199
 into our

00:34:20.199 --> 00:34:21.240
 lives can

00:34:21.240 --> 00:34:21.679
 say,

00:34:22.000 --> 00:34:22.400
 Merciful,

00:34:22.599 --> 00:34:22.960
 yes,

00:34:23.260 --> 00:34:23.639
 merciful,

00:34:23.840 --> 00:34:24.400
 you are

00:34:24.400 --> 00:34:25.280
 merciful.

00:34:25.720 --> 00:34:26.300
 As God's

00:34:26.300 --> 00:34:26.639
 been merciful

00:34:26.639 --> 00:34:27.079
 to you,

00:34:27.159 --> 00:34:27.679
 you are

00:34:27.679 --> 00:34:28.420
 merciful.

00:34:28.420 --> 00:34:29.820
 this

00:34:29.820 --> 00:34:30.380
 working

00:34:30.380 --> 00:34:31.059
 is the

00:34:31.059 --> 00:34:31.659
 evidence

00:34:31.659 --> 00:34:32.720
 of your

00:34:32.720 --> 00:34:33.240
 salvation,

00:34:33.420 --> 00:34:33.700
 that you

00:34:33.700 --> 00:34:34.720
 belong to

00:34:34.720 --> 00:34:35.159
 the kingdom

00:34:35.159 --> 00:34:36.480
 of heaven.

00:34:37.380 --> 00:34:38.039
 I pray

00:34:38.039 --> 00:34:39.039
 that you

00:34:39.039 --> 00:34:39.519
 are not

00:34:39.519 --> 00:34:40.019
 counted

00:34:40.019 --> 00:34:40.860
 amongst

00:34:40.860 --> 00:34:41.500
 the goats.

00:34:42.240 --> 00:34:43.079
 Verse 41,

00:34:44.159 --> 00:34:45.019
 then he

00:34:45.019 --> 00:34:45.519
 will say

00:34:45.519 --> 00:34:46.280
 to those

00:34:46.280 --> 00:34:46.860
 on his

00:34:46.860 --> 00:34:47.360
 left,

00:34:48.280 --> 00:34:48.700
 depart

00:34:48.700 --> 00:34:49.240
 from me,

00:34:49.700 --> 00:34:50.700
 you cursed

00:34:50.700 --> 00:34:51.139
 into the

00:34:51.139 --> 00:34:51.840
 eternal fire

00:34:51.840 --> 00:34:52.559
 prepared for

00:34:52.559 --> 00:34:53.019
 the devil

00:34:53.019 --> 00:34:53.800
 and his

00:34:53.800 --> 00:34:54.260
 angels.

00:34:54.800 --> 00:34:55.360
 For I

00:34:55.360 --> 00:34:55.840
 was hungry

00:34:55.840 --> 00:34:56.539
 and you

00:34:56.539 --> 00:34:56.800
 gave me

00:34:56.800 --> 00:34:57.260
 no food.

00:34:57.260 --> 00:34:58.180
 I was

00:34:58.180 --> 00:34:58.520
 thirsty

00:34:58.520 --> 00:34:58.820
 and you

00:34:58.820 --> 00:34:59.080
 gave me

00:34:59.080 --> 00:34:59.620
 no drink.

00:35:00.060 --> 00:35:00.440
 I was

00:35:00.440 --> 00:35:01.040
 a stranger

00:35:01.040 --> 00:35:01.500
 and you

00:35:01.500 --> 00:35:01.900
 did not

00:35:01.900 --> 00:35:02.220
 welcome

00:35:02.220 --> 00:35:02.480
 me,

00:35:02.660 --> 00:35:02.940
 naked

00:35:02.940 --> 00:35:03.520
 and you

00:35:03.520 --> 00:35:03.940
 did not

00:35:03.940 --> 00:35:04.240
 clothe

00:35:04.240 --> 00:35:04.480
 me,

00:35:05.060 --> 00:35:05.340
 sick

00:35:05.340 --> 00:35:05.760
 and in

00:35:05.760 --> 00:35:06.080
 prison

00:35:06.080 --> 00:35:06.520
 and you

00:35:06.520 --> 00:35:06.980
 did not

00:35:06.980 --> 00:35:07.540
 visit me.

00:35:08.180 --> 00:35:08.540
 Then they

00:35:08.540 --> 00:35:09.000
 also will

00:35:09.000 --> 00:35:09.240
 answer

00:35:09.240 --> 00:35:09.580
 saying,

00:35:09.680 --> 00:35:09.920
 Lord,

00:35:10.000 --> 00:35:10.360
 when did

00:35:10.360 --> 00:35:10.660
 we see

00:35:10.660 --> 00:35:11.080
 you hungry

00:35:11.080 --> 00:35:11.540
 or thirsty

00:35:11.540 --> 00:35:11.880
 or a

00:35:11.880 --> 00:35:12.160
 stranger

00:35:12.160 --> 00:35:12.600
 or naked

00:35:12.600 --> 00:35:13.080
 or sick

00:35:13.080 --> 00:35:13.640
 or in

00:35:13.640 --> 00:35:13.960
 prison

00:35:13.960 --> 00:35:14.700
 and did

00:35:14.700 --> 00:35:14.880
 not

00:35:14.880 --> 00:35:15.220
 minister

00:35:15.220 --> 00:35:15.660
 to you?

00:35:16.420 --> 00:35:16.740
 Then you

00:35:16.740 --> 00:35:17.060
 will answer

00:35:17.060 --> 00:35:17.600
 them saying,

00:35:18.100 --> 00:35:18.580
 truly I

00:35:18.580 --> 00:35:19.060
 say to you,

00:35:19.440 --> 00:35:19.820
 as you

00:35:19.820 --> 00:35:20.280
 did not

00:35:20.280 --> 00:35:20.640
 do it

00:35:20.640 --> 00:35:21.040
 to one

00:35:21.040 --> 00:35:21.180
 of the

00:35:21.180 --> 00:35:21.500
 least of

00:35:21.500 --> 00:35:21.760
 these,

00:35:21.940 --> 00:35:22.300
 you did

00:35:22.300 --> 00:35:22.720
 not do

00:35:22.720 --> 00:35:23.180
 it to

00:35:23.179 --> 00:35:23.440
 me.

00:35:24.139 --> 00:35:24.579
 And these

00:35:24.579 --> 00:35:24.839
 will go

00:35:24.839 --> 00:35:25.299
 away

00:35:25.299 --> 00:35:25.739
 into

00:35:25.739 --> 00:35:26.059
 eternal

00:35:26.059 --> 00:35:26.539
 punishment,

00:35:27.079 --> 00:35:27.559
 but the

00:35:27.559 --> 00:35:28.059
 righteous

00:35:28.059 --> 00:35:29.079
 into

00:35:29.079 --> 00:35:29.440
 eternal

00:35:29.440 --> 00:35:30.000
 life.

00:35:31.039 --> 00:35:31.460
 There's

00:35:31.460 --> 00:35:32.279
 a weighty

00:35:32.279 --> 00:35:32.719
 thing to

00:35:32.719 --> 00:35:33.119
 consider

00:35:33.119 --> 00:35:33.699
 here,

00:35:33.980 --> 00:35:35.119
 to really

00:35:35.119 --> 00:35:35.679
 ask

00:35:35.679 --> 00:35:36.379
 ourselves,

00:35:36.500 --> 00:35:37.099
 and again,

00:35:37.319 --> 00:35:38.119
 those around

00:35:38.119 --> 00:35:38.460
 us,

00:35:38.559 --> 00:35:38.940
 those who

00:35:38.940 --> 00:35:39.559
 are following

00:35:39.559 --> 00:35:40.599
 the way

00:35:40.599 --> 00:35:41.199
 of Christ,

00:35:41.440 --> 00:35:41.899
 those who

00:35:41.899 --> 00:35:42.319
 are citizens

00:35:42.319 --> 00:35:42.719
 of the

00:35:42.719 --> 00:35:43.059
 kingdom,

00:35:43.899 --> 00:35:44.259
 am I

00:35:44.259 --> 00:35:44.899
 merciful?

00:35:45.679 --> 00:35:46.139
 Does this

00:35:46.139 --> 00:35:46.639
 characterize

00:35:46.639 --> 00:35:48.399
 my life?

00:35:48.899 --> 00:35:49.199
 Some of

00:35:49.199 --> 00:35:49.500
 you may

00:35:49.500 --> 00:35:50.719
 know about

00:35:50.719 --> 00:35:51.359
 the mercy

00:35:51.359 --> 00:35:51.980
 of God,

00:35:52.259 --> 00:35:52.599
 but have

00:35:52.599 --> 00:35:52.940
 yet to

00:35:52.940 --> 00:35:53.559
 experience

00:35:53.559 --> 00:35:54.079
 the mercy

00:35:54.079 --> 00:35:54.820
 of God,

00:35:54.980 --> 00:35:55.400
 have yet

00:35:55.400 --> 00:35:56.099
 to turn

00:35:56.099 --> 00:35:57.320
 to Christ

00:35:57.320 --> 00:35:58.659
 by faith.

00:35:59.579 --> 00:35:59.760
 And we

00:35:59.760 --> 00:35:59.940
 have a

00:35:59.940 --> 00:36:00.119
 beautiful

00:36:00.119 --> 00:36:00.700
 promise in

00:36:00.700 --> 00:36:02.559
 closing in

00:36:02.559 --> 00:36:03.380
 James 2,

00:36:03.659 --> 00:36:04.599
 verse 13.

00:36:05.380 --> 00:36:06.079
 James writes,

00:36:06.480 --> 00:36:07.480
 for judgment

00:36:07.480 --> 00:36:09.260
 is without

00:36:09.260 --> 00:36:10.840
 mercy to

00:36:10.840 --> 00:36:11.579
 one who

00:36:11.579 --> 00:36:12.260
 has shown

00:36:12.260 --> 00:36:13.519
 no mercy.

00:36:13.840 --> 00:36:14.159
 Hear that

00:36:14.159 --> 00:36:14.400
 again.

00:36:14.840 --> 00:36:15.519
 For judgment

00:36:15.519 --> 00:36:16.420
 is without

00:36:16.420 --> 00:36:17.840
 mercy to

00:36:17.840 --> 00:36:18.360
 one who

00:36:18.360 --> 00:36:18.920
 has shown

00:36:18.920 --> 00:36:19.860
 no mercy.

00:36:20.860 --> 00:36:21.579
 Mercy,

00:36:21.579 --> 00:36:23.460
 triumphs

00:36:23.460 --> 00:36:25.000
 over judgment.

00:36:26.500 --> 00:36:27.199
 So Jesus

00:36:27.199 --> 00:36:27.739
 says,

00:36:28.579 --> 00:36:29.059
 blessed are

00:36:29.059 --> 00:36:29.519
 the merciful,

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 for they

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 shall receive

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 mercy.

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 Let's pray

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 together.

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