Lesson 6: Mercy Triumphs over Judgement

Extending Mercy Because We Have Received Mercy

Have you ever been deeply wronged? In those moments, extending mercy can feel impossible. But the truth is, as followers of Jesus, we are called to show mercy because we have received mercy.

During a mission over Germany, in World War II, pilot Charlie Brown's plane was severely damaged, and he and his crew were injured. As they tried fly away, they were spotted by a German fighter pilot named Franz Stigler. Stigler, a highly skilled and decorated ace, could have easily shot down the crippled bomber, earning him a prestigious honor. However, as he approached the B-17, he was struck by the extent of the damage and the desperation on Brown's face. Instead of opening fire, Stigler remembered the words of his mentor: "You follow the rules of war, but you also keep your humanity". He chose to show mercy, escorting the American bomber to safety.

Years later, the two pilots met and became close friends. Brown acknowledged the profound impact of Stigler’s mercy, recognizing that his family and the surviving crew members owed their lives to this act of compassion. Stigler simply stated, "I love you, Charlie," explaining that he could never have shot them down, knowing that mercy was the right response.

Is mercy only for the oppressed or is it also for the oppressor? This story, and the teachings of Jesus, make it clear that mercy is for both the oppressed and the oppressor. The Gospel is scandalous because it offers mercy to all, even those who have wronged us. While it's easy to extend mercy to victims, it's much harder to show mercy to those who have hurt us.

When someone wrongs us, we often respond in one of two ways: we pretend it didn't hurt, or we seek vengeance. Neither of these reactions aligns with the mercy that Jesus teaches. He calls us to a different way, one that acknowledges the wrong but chooses compassion.

The Bible reminds us that vengeance belongs to God. Holding onto anger and resentment is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. It only harms us in the end. We can only consistently show mercy because of the Holy Spirit working within us.

Ultimately, our ability to extend mercy hinges on remembering the immeasurable mercy God has shown us by forgiving our sins, an unpayable debt. As we reflect on the depth of God's compassion, we are empowered to let that same mercy flow through us, transforming our hearts and enabling us to forgive even those who have deeply wounded us.

Questions for Discussion

  1. How do you react when someone wrongs you?

  2. When you wrong someone else and they have the power to enact justice on you, how do you hope they will act?

  3. Pastor Tim asserts that "Mercy is for the victim and the perpetrator". Do you agree? Why or why not? What are the implications of extending mercy to those who have caused harm?

  4. How do you differentiate between showing mercy and ignoring justice? Can we pursue justice while also offering mercy? How might these concepts work together in addressing situations of wrongdoing?

  5. Two common ways people respond when they've been wronged are pretending it didn't hurt or seeking revenge. How do these responses contradict the teachings of Jesus regarding mercy? What are the potential consequences of each approach?

  6. How does the transformation of our hearts through the Holy Spirit enable us to extend mercy to others?

  7. What makes it difficult for us to extend mercy to those who have hurt us? What are some practical steps we can take to cultivate a merciful heart, even in the face of deep pain and offense?

  8. How does understanding the depth of God's mercy towards us empower us to show mercy to others? What is the connection between recognizing our own need for forgiveness and our ability to forgive others?

  9. "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” How does this statement challenge us to live differently? What are the potential blessings that come from practicing mercy?

  10. Is there anyone in your life you need to extend mercy to? What might be hindering you from doing so? How can you practically apply the principles of mercy discussed in this sermon to your own relationships and experiences?