Matthew Chapter 5: Mercy and Purity

On today’s Bible Answer Man broadcast (04/07/21), Hank resumes going through the beatitudes in Matthew chapter 5, picking up with the fifth beatitude, “Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy.” What is so cool about the beatitudes is that they mirror the Lord’s Prayer in that the first four petitions are focused on our relationship to God while the next four have to do with our relationships with one another. In view of God’s mercy toward us, His kenosis, His suffering, His death; we are to extend mercy irrespective of whether or not those with whom we come into contact deserve it or not. For as we show mercy so to it will be shown unto us. The next beatitude is “Blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God.” In other words, blessed are those who are devoted to the service of God; those who practice virtue and temperance; those who avoid conscious evil. People who act without hidden motives. Singleness or purity of heart is the way by which we encounter God.