Mercy, of Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ displays the same attitude of grace and mercy towards men and women as his Father does.

Jesus Christ is merciful

Luke 4:16–21 See also Isaiah 61:1–2John 15:12–13 See also 2 Corinthians 8:9, 2 Corinthians 13:14; Ephesians 4:7; Philippians 2:1; 1 Timothy 1:16; 2 Timothy 1:18, 2 Timothy 2:1; Jude 1:21

Then Jesus came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. As was His custom, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath. And when He stood up to read, the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. Unrolling it, He found the place where it was written: “The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Then He rolled up the scroll, returned it to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fixed on Him, and He began by saying, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

Jesus Christ's concern for people in need

Matthew 9:36 parallel Mark 6:34 See also Matthew 14:14, Matthew 15:32 parallel Mark 8:2; Matthew 23:37 parallel Luke 13:34

When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

Jesus Christ's response to appeals for mercy

Matthew 20:30–34 See also Matthew 8:2–3 parallels Mark 1:39–40, Luke 5:12–13; Matthew 8:5–13, Matthew 9:18–30, Matthew 15:22, Matthew 17:14–18; John 11:6; 2 Corinthians 12:8–9

And there were two blind men sitting beside the road. When they heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” The crowd admonished them to be silent, but they cried out all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want Me to do for you?” He asked. “Lord,” they answered, “let our eyes be opened.” Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes, and at once they received their sight and followed Him.

Jesus Christ's mercy in response to judgment

John 12:47

As for anyone who hears My words and does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I have not come to judge the world, but to save the world.

Jesus Christ as high priest

Hebrews 2:17–18 See also Hebrews 4:15

For this reason He had to be made like His brothers in every way, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, in order to make atonement for the sins of the people. Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.

Jesus Christ's mercy is shown in his actions

In salvation

Ephesians 5:2 See also Luke 19:10; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 5:25; 1 Timothy 1:14–16; Titus 3:4–7

and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God.

In forgiveness

Luke 23:34 See also Mark 2:10

Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up His garments by casting lots.

In blessing

Mark 10:13–16 parallel Matthew 19:13–15

Now people were bringing the little children to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them, and the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and told them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And He took the children in His arms, placed His hands on them, and blessed them.