Life in the Old Age feels oppressive and brutal.
We are still dealing with Covid-19 as people get sick and die even with vaccines available. Job losses continue, people fear catching the virus, and people are tired of wearing masks. People fear violence from prejudice or simple random acts. People are definitely grouchy and defiant.
Fear is at the core of life in the Old Age.
Mercy is at the core of life in Jesus's New Age.
Mercy is the motivation for the multitudes coming to Jesus. They are looking for relief from their diseases and unclean spirits. The Twelve, the disciples, and multitudes looking for some sort of healing.
Mercy is the motivation by which Jesus heals their diseases and unclean spirits.
Jesus demonstrates to the gathered crowd how God's mercy is to be lived by God's people.
However, instead of a long list of merciful actions, Jesus summarizes the principle in what we call "The Golden Rule".
Of course anyone can do those actions, even people living in the Old Age.
Expectations make the difference. Old Age people expect something in return. Jesus' New Age living says don't expect something in return. Whatever you do, do it with the best interests of the other person in mind.
In other words, be a means of grace for someone. When you are, God is working invisibly to transform the one receiving your act of mercy.
God may also be transforming you so you are able to act more like Jesus.
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