Week 15 - Mikaela Brown - Part 3 Beatittudes

We are focusing today on the fifth and sixth Beatitudes from Matthew 5:7-8: "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy," and "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God".

Mercy and Justice

Mercy is defined as undeserved favor, and it cannot exist without justice. To offer mercy, one must also hold the power of justice, a role ultimately belonging to Jesus.

• The Sacrifice of the Judge: Jesus satisfied the demands of justice by becoming the condemned for us, absorbing the punishment so He could extend mercy.

• Trusting God with Justice: Our ability to show mercy flows from trusting God to handle justice. It is not about ignoring wrongdoing, but about laying down our perceived power to judge and leaving the consequences to Him.

• The Call to Forgive: Jesus requires forgiveness from His followers to restore relationships and pursue righteousness. This is not a "tit-for-tat" arrangement; rather, we cannot approach God for our own forgiveness if we refuse to maintain right relationships with others.

  Purity of Heart

Being "pure in heart" does not mean being sinless. In the context of the upside-down kingdom, Jesus redefined what it means to be set apart for holiness.

• Internal vs. External: While the old covenant emphasized ceremonial cleanliness, Jesus emphasizes the heart.

• The Example of the Tax Collector: In a parable, a Pharisee boasted of his external religious works, but it was the tax collector—who humbly acknowledged his sin and begged for mercy—whom God justified.

• The True Pure in Heart: God considers those who are poor in spirit and mourn their sins to be the ones with pure hearts. These are the individuals who are truly set apart to see God.

As we reflect on these truths, let us ask for the divine strength to offer others the mercy we have received and for hearts that are set apart for His holiness.