Following Jesus, the Merciful  One

This Sunday we begin a new series in Luke’s Gospel. Luke- our historian, theologian, and gospeller- presents Jesus with a special concern to describe the intersection  between Christ’s power and human need. Luke presents divine mercy powerfully overflowing to meet all kinds needs of all kind of people.

We are a people who confess the Lordship of this Merciful One. If he is our Lord we must come to him with open hands to receive this mercy, and then share the mercy we ourselves have received. How can we more fully imitate Jesus the Merciful? This will be the central question of this series. Let me welcome you to this journey through Luke’s Gospel.   

This week we begin with Mary’s famous Song of Praise, ‘The Magnificat’ (Luke 1.46-56). A profound reflection on the saving power of God: promised, present now,  and expanding to meet the needs of all kinds of people in an unexpected way. Here we see Mary, inspired by the Spirit, offering a deep reflection on the divine mercy that is released into the world. All this through the child she bore. May we dismantle the pride and human power that is a barrier to our receiving such beautiful mercy, and find ourselves agents of this mercy in our lives. 

Reflection Questions 

1. (a) In what ways might society sometimes expect the vulnerable to be worthy before help is offered? 
(b) In what ways might our Australian definition of masculinity, with its emphasis on strength, make it difficult to receive and show mercy? 

2. Read Luke 1.46-56. How does Mary connect God’s mercy to her, with God’s mercy to all kinds of people? 

3. Reflect on the accounts of John the Baptist’s and Jesus’ births in Luke chapters 1 and 2. Each has an annunciation, birth, circumcision, and starting place (wilderness/temple). How is Jesus’ birth told in similar way to the Baptist’s? How is he depicted as superior? 

4. How does Mary describe the surprising new salvation, now available, in Luke 1.46-56?

5. Is the salvation offered, merely spiritual? What clues does Mary provide that suggest more than mere spiritual needs will be met? 

6. Identify a setting where to imitate Jesus might mean to become more engaged in needs around you. OR Identify a setting where to imitate Jesus means responding to a need, even if the needy have made some poor choices.