I am a Jesus pusher!!! “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Matthew 5:7). To understand the fifth Beatitude, we must understand the term merciful (eleemon), where the FOCUS of mercy is essential to the definition. In the context of our passage, mercy is focused on others. The ability to be merciful to others results from receiving mercy. Receiving mercy is possible only because it comes from someone else, and the adjective “merciful” applies to the giver and not the recipient. “Mercy” flows from one person to another. When we are merciful toward ourselves, we justify, rationalize, and excuse. Therefore, the adjective “merciful” can modify only a person who extends mercy toward someone else.
The first four Beatitudes focus on our intimate relationship with Jesus, and this fifth Beatitude is the first that relates to our relationship with others. In the intimate embrace of His person we become the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3). In response to His presence, we are comforted (Matthew 5:4). In yielding to Jesus’ nature we can conquer our physical world (Matthew 5:5). In seeking His person, we are filled (Matthew 5:6), and what we experience in relationship to Jesus we focus on others. My attitude and interaction with others must always be the expression of Jesus’ presence through me. Oh, how I need Him! I am a Jesus pusher!!!