March 15, 2026

The Bright Sadness:

Exchanging the Shrine of Self for the Shadow of the Cross

Matthew 5:1-12

1 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.

He said:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Matthew 9: 36
“When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them.”

Diagnosis: We live in a culture of condemnation.

Matthew 5:7
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Receive mercy. Then pass it along.

Mercy means:
Withholding punishment.
Providing compassionate help.

Mercy is extravagant kindness that goes beyond what is required, especially for someone in need.
(The Bible Project)

“The merciful are those who take a share in the afflictions of others.”
John Calvin

Romans 8:1
There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

“When we enter into a life of friendship with the Jesus who is now at work in our universe, we stand in a new reality where condemnation is simply irrelevant.”

Dallas Willard, The Divine Conspiracy

Five Elements of Giving Mercy:

1. Spoken Words → Mercy that Speaks Life

John 8:11
"Neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin."

"If I had my priesthood to do over again, I would be easier on people the next time. I wouldn't be so stingy with God's mercy. I fear I have been too hard on people. They have pain enough without me and the church laying further burdens on them. I should have risked God's mercy more."

2. Meaningful Touch → Mercy that Draws Near

Mark 1:41
Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched him.

3. Attaching High Value → Mercy that Restores Dignity

Genesis 27:34, 38
"Bless me, me too, my father!" ... "Do you have only one blessing, my father? Bless me too, my father!" And Esau wept aloud.

4. Vision of the Future → Mercy that Gives Hope

5. Active Commitment → Mercy that Stays

Receive Mercy. Then Pass It Along.