Greatness: Matthew 14-20Sample

In today’s Bible verses, Jesus says, “And should not you have mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?” (Matthew 18:33, ESV) and “Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:36, ESV). What does mercy in the Kingdom of Heaven look like? How can we be merciful as God is merciful? That’s a tall order.

In this parable, we see the mercy bestowed on the servant by the master is kind, compassionate, and undeserved. It is also radically generous. The servant asked the master for patience in paying back the debt, but instead, the master completely forgives him of the debt.

There is a saying, “Mercy is free but it is not cheap.” The master would have lost money by forgiving the servant of his debt. Showing mercy cost the master. The mercy God shows us cost Him the life of His Son, Jesus. That is generous, radical mercy on full display. It’s a mercy that Jesus tells us we are to extend to those around us. And if we are to follow His example, we too must expect that when we show mercy, it will cost us. Are you willing to give mercy as God has given it to you?

Today, ponder this: What does it look like for you to step into today with God’s mercy guiding your actions?