Which New Testament teachings align with the mercy shown in 2 Chronicles 28:15? A Glimpse of Mercy in 2 Chronicles 28:15 “Then the men designated by name rose up and took the captives, and from the spoil they clothed all who were naked; they gave them clothes and sandals, food and drink, and oil. They led all the feeble on donkeys and brought them to their brothers at Jericho, the city of palms. Then they returned to Samaria.” A literal, historical moment where former enemies receive unexpected compassion—clothed, fed, anointed, transported, and restored to safety. Core Gospel Principles Reflected • Loving the vulnerable • Tangible acts meeting physical needs • Mercy extended even to former foes • Restoration over retaliation New Testament Echoes of This Mercy • Matthew 25:35-36—“I was hungry … thirsty … a stranger … naked … sick … in prison and you visited Me.” • Luke 10:33-34—Good Samaritan “had compassion … bandaged his wounds … put him on his own donkey.” • Luke 6:35-36—“Love your enemies … be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” • Romans 12:20—“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink.” • Galatians 6:2—“Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” • Hebrews 13:2-3—Hospitality to strangers; remembering the mistreated. • James 2:15-16—Warning against withholding food and clothing. • 1 John 3:17-18—Love “in action and truth,” not words only. • Mark 9:41—Reward for giving even a cup of water in Jesus’ name. Parallels Between the Actions • Clothing the naked → Matthew 25:36; James 2:15-16 • Feeding the hungry → Matthew 25:35; Romans 12:20 • Giving drink → Matthew 25:35; Mark 9:41 • Anointing with oil → Luke 10:34 (Good Samaritan) • Transporting the weak on donkeys → Luke 10:34 (“put him on his own donkey”) • Returning captives safely → Galatians 6:2; Hebrews 13:3 (identifying with the imprisoned) Early Church Practice • Acts 2:44-45—Shared possessions so “anyone as he had need” was supplied. • Acts 4:34-35—No needy persons among them because gifts were distributed. • Acts 6:1-6—Daily distribution for widows organized in compassionate order. Putting Mercy Into Practice Today • View every physical need as an invitation to display Christ’s mercy. • Let compassion override rivalry, politics, or past wrongs. • Meet needs holistically—clothing, food, healing touch, safe transport, ongoing follow-up. • Remember that caring for others is, in Jesus’ own words, caring for Him (Matthew 25:40). |
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