Jesus Is…His Character RevealedSample

Day 1 - Jesus is…Merciful.

Matthew 8:1-4 and Psalm 103:8-12 (ESV)

Devotional: Matthew 8:2–3 (ESV) says, "And behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, 'Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.' And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, 'I will; be clean.' And immediately his leprosy was cleansed." Lepers were considered ceremonially unclean and were cut off from their community, forgotten, and left to suffer alone. Yet in this passage, the leper kneels before Jesus, calling Him "Lord," and asks for healing. And what does Jesus do? He does not hesitate. He reaches out His hand and touches his head, which is something no one else would dare to do. Jesus, the Holy One, touches the untouchable. Jesus, full of mercy, draws near to the outcast. This is who Jesus is. He embodies mercy. Jesus is the visible expression of the Father's compassion. His mercy is not distant; it is personal, present, and for you. Just as He reached for the leper, Jesus reaches for you. He touches what is broken. He cleans what is stained. The mercy of Jesus is the foundation of our salvation. Through Jesus, God extended His hand to humanity. He reaches for you not when you're perfect, but when you are unclean. And He says, "I will; be clean."

Prayer: Jesus, Your mercy is not distant; help it feel close. When I am burdened by the weight of the world around me, remind me of Your mercy!