Blessed Compassion

The Sermon on the Mount would certainly be one of the most familiar teachings of Jesus. It is often referred to in various literary writings and political speeches, and those who embrace religions other than Christianity frequently quote it. I would even assume that that when an unbeliever decides to read his Bible, he probably turns to Matthew's Gospel, and before too long he is reading the Sermon on the Mount. The Sermon on the Mount opens with the “beatitudes” which give the key to understanding the sermon. In previous sessions we introduced the Sermon, and opened the first four beatitudes regarding the poor in spirit, those who mourn, those who are meek, and those who hunger for righteousness. These beatitudes are foundational to understanding the remaining beatitudes as well as the Sermon on the Mount.
Tonight we will examines the fifth beatitude: “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” The four earlier beatitudes focus on God. This one turns our focus from God directly, to other people, and is an immediate consequence of the truths of the first four. It is not an easy beatitude for many to express in truth, as we shall see.

A course notebook for this series is available at a nominal charge, on request.