Be mercifulThe call to be merciful is a directive that aligns with the broader biblical theme of compassion and kindness. In the cultural context of first-century Judea, mercy was often seen as a divine attribute, and the call to emulate this quality would have been understood as a call to reflect God's character. The Greek word for "merciful" here is "oiktirmon," which implies a deep, compassionate response to the needs of others. This aligns with the teachings found in the Old Testament, such as in
Micah 6:8, where God requires His people to act justly and love mercy. The emphasis on mercy is also seen in the parables of Jesus, such as the Good Samaritan (
Luke 10:25-37), which illustrates mercy in action.
just as your Father
This phrase establishes a standard for mercy that is divine rather than human. The reference to "your Father" indicates a personal relationship between God and the believer, emphasizing that God's nature is the model for human behavior. In the Jewish tradition, God as Father is a concept that denotes authority, care, and provision, as seen in passages likePsalm 103:13. The New Testament further develops this idea, with Jesus frequently referring to God as Father, highlighting the intimate relationship believers are invited into (Matthew 6:9). This familial language underscores the expectation that believers will reflect the character of their heavenly Father.
is merciful
The statement that God "is merciful" is a declaration of His inherent nature. Throughout Scripture, God's mercy is a recurring theme, seen in His covenantal faithfulness and forgiveness. In the Old Testament, God's mercy is evident in His dealings with Israel, such as inExodus 34:6-7, where He is described as "compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness." In the New Testament, God's mercy is most profoundly demonstrated through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, who embodies divine mercy by offering salvation to humanity. This phrase serves as a reminder that God's mercy is not just an action but an essential aspect of His character, which believers are called to emulate.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Jesus ChristThe speaker of this verse, Jesus is delivering a sermon that includes teachings on love, mercy, and forgiveness. This is part of what is often referred to as the "Sermon on the Plain."
2.
DisciplesThe primary audience of Jesus' teachings, including this verse. They are being instructed on how to live in a way that reflects God's character.
3.
God the FatherReferred to as "your Father" in the verse, emphasizing the relationship between God and believers, and setting the standard for mercy.
4.
The Sermon on the PlainThe context in which this teaching is given, similar to the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew, but with distinct elements and emphasis.
Teaching Points
Understanding MercyMercy involves compassion and forgiveness towards others, even when they may not deserve it. It is an active expression of love that reflects God's character.
Imitating GodAs believers, we are called to imitate God's attributes. Just as God is merciful, we are to extend mercy to others, demonstrating our relationship with Him.
Mercy in ActionPractical ways to show mercy include forgiving those who have wronged us, helping those in need, and showing kindness to those who may not reciprocate.
The Challenge of MercyBeing merciful can be challenging, especially when we feel wronged. However, it is a powerful testimony of God's love and grace working in us.
Mercy and JudgmentMercy triumphs over judgment. By choosing mercy, we align ourselves with God's heart and His kingdom values.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Luke 6:36?
2.How can we practically "be merciful" in our daily interactions with others?
3.What does "just as your Father is merciful" reveal about God's character?
4.How does Luke 6:36 connect with the parable of the Good Samaritan?
5.In what ways does showing mercy reflect Christ's teachings in the Gospels?
6.How can we cultivate a heart of mercy in challenging situations?
7.How does Luke 6:36 define the nature of God's mercy?
8.Why is mercy emphasized in Luke 6:36 over other virtues?
9.How does Luke 6:36 challenge our understanding of justice?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 6?
11.How can we show mercy to others daily?
12.How can we show mercy to others daily?
13.Will the merciful receive mercy?
14.What defines a godly father?What Does Luke 6:36 Mean
Be merciful“Be merciful” (Luke 6:36) is not a suggestion; it is Christ’s direct command. Earlier in the chapter He told His followers to love enemies, bless those who curse, and lend without expecting return (Luke 6:27-35). Mercy wraps all of that together.
•Matthew 5:7 shows that “Blessed are the merciful” receive mercy in return, underscoring that God notices and rewards this heart posture.
•James 2:13 warns that “judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful,” reminding us the absence of mercy is spiritually dangerous.
Practical expressions:
– Forgiving willingly, as Joseph did his brothers (Genesis 50:17-21).
– Reaching out to the overlooked, echoing the Good Samaritan’s care (Luke 10:33-37).
– Speaking truth gently, followingGalatians 6:1.
just as“Just as” signals that our mercy must mirror someone else’s—God’s. We do not define mercy on our own terms.Matthew 5:48 calls us to be “perfect… as your heavenly Father is perfect,” and1 Peter 1:15-16 urges holiness “in all you do.” The comparison lays down an unchanging standard: God’s own character. His example shapes both the quality and the extent of our mercy.
your FatherJesus reminds us we have a family relationship with the One we imitate.
•John 1:12 promises that those who receive Christ become children of God.
•Romans 8:15 declares we have received “the Spirit of sonship, by whom we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’”
Because He is “our Father,” obedience is not cold duty but family likeness. Like children naturally copying a parent, believers show the family resemblance when they extend mercy.
is mercifulGod’s nature overflows with mercy.
•Psalm 103:8-13 pictures Him as “compassionate and gracious… abounding in loving devotion.”
•Lamentations 3:22-23 proclaims His mercies “are new every morning.”
•Ephesians 2:4-5 explains our salvation springs from God being “rich in mercy.”
The ultimate display is the cross (Romans 5:8), where He withholds the judgment we deserved by placing it on His Son. Since we daily depend on that mercy (Hebrews 4:16), we can hardly withhold it from others.
summaryLuke 6:36 calls believers to extend the same generous, compassionate mercy they continually receive from their heavenly Father. The verse anchors mercy in God’s character, makes it a family trait for His children, and sets it as a non-negotiable mark of genuine discipleship. When we forgive, give, and care beyond what seems reasonable, we are walking in the footsteps of our merciful Father.
(36)
Be ye therefore merciful.--The form of the sentence is the same as that of
Matthew 5:48, but "merciful" takes the place of "perfect," as being the noblest of the divine attributes, in which all others reach their completeness. The well-known passage in Shakespeare on the "quality of mercy," is, perhaps, the best comment on this verse (
Merchant of Venice, iv. 1).
Verse 36. -
Beye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. "Yes," goes on the Master, "be ye kind, tender-hearted, merciful; stop not short at the easier love, but go on to the harder; and do this because God does it even to the unthankful and evil" (ver. 35). On this attribute of the mercy of the Most High, James, who had evidently drunk deep of the wisdom contained in this great discourse of his so-called brother, speaks of the Lord as "very pitiful, and of tender mercy" (
James 5:11).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
BeΓίνεσθε(Ginesthe)Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1096:A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.merciful,οἰκτίρμονες(oiktirmones)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3629:Compassionate, merciful. From oikteiro; compassionate.justκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.asκαθὼς(kathōs)Adverb
Strong's 2531:According to the manner in which, in the degree that, just as, as. From kata and hos; just as, that.yourὑμῶν(hymōn)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.FatherΠατὴρ(Patēr)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3962:Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'.isἐστίν(estin)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.merciful.οἰκτίρμων(oiktirmōn)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3629:Compassionate, merciful. From oikteiro; compassionate.
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NT Gospels: Luke 6:36 Therefore be merciful even as your Father (Luke Lu Lk)