Extend Compassionate Grace and Mercy

We often judge other people. We feel that we are more important and more godly than others. And, when something happens to other people who we feel are less worthy of God’s love, we sometimes blame their misfortune on their sin. That was the case with the two groups Dr. Luke introduces us to in Luke 13.

The Bible doesn’t give us the background on the Galileans, whose blood was mingled with their sacrifices by Pilate in a scandalous and defiling act. Neither are we given a context for the collapse of the Tower of Siloam. Obviously, the audience Jesus addressed was about these incidents were familiar with them. Somehow, instead of compassion, however, they felt condemnation. But Jesus quickly exposed their judgmental spirits and warned them that they were no better than those who had died. Unless they repented, He said, they, too, would perish.

We forget that none of us is more deserving of God’s grace and mercy than anyone else in this world or in all of history, for that matter. Stop and think about the ramifications of that statement for a moment before pressing further.

Just because we’ve been saved a certain number of years, baptized, attend church and maybe a small group, teach a Bible study, donate to certain Christian organizations, go to conferences, or whatever else we can come up with here—it means nothing. Nothing. We can’t do one thing to make ourselves look good in God’s eyes. (Isaiah 53:6)

The nature of grace and mercy is favor that’s freely given. Grace is getting what we don’t deserve. Mercy is not getting what we do deserve. Grace and mercy could be thought of as two sides of the same coin. The commonality is that grace and mercy are extensions of the very character of God, His loving and benevolent nature. If someone were deserving of grace or mercy then, grace and mercy would be extended by God as earned wages—not His free gifts.

The call of Jesus in this encounter, though not spelled out, is our need to be merciful, just as God is merciful. If no one is deserving of grace and mercy, then neither are we! Keeping our eyes on Jesus, contemplating His sacrifice, remembering past failures… all of these set us in our rightful place as fallen creatures, desperate for the undeserved goodwill of God. God owes us nothing. We all deserve eternal separation for high treason against the High King of heaven. To be granted any hope of a positive afterlife is the gift of a sovereign, loving, gracious, and merciful God.

Application

As stated earlier, we have a tendency to not be gracious and merciful toward others. We tend to think we’re better, yet we aren’t. And, when it comes to extending grace and mercy to others, as representatives of God we must focus our eyes on Jesus. (Hebrews 12:1–5)

Casting Crowns released a song a few years ago, “Jesus, Friend of Sinners.” The song urges believers to put down their accusing, pointing fingers, and have broken hearts for things that break God’s heart.

You can view their video here.

© Copyright 2026 Craig Beaman