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Kindness for Jonathan’s Sake

INTRODUCTION: This is perhaps the premier story and example of Old Testament grace. The fallen house of Saul receives mercy and grace from the triumphant house of David.

  1. David Sought for Any of the House of Saul (2 Samuel 9:1)
    1. His covenant with Jonathan (1 Samuel 20:11-17)
    2. His remembrance of that covenant (Deuteronomy 7:7-8)
  2. David Searched for a Seed (2 Samuel 9:2-4)
    1. He inquired of Ziba (2 Samuel 9:2-3; Luke 14:16-23)
    2. Ziba led him to Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9:4); lame on his feet
    3. Name meanings in this passage:
      1. Ammiel means people of God
      2. Machir means sold
      3. Lodebar means no pasture (Ephesians 2:12)
  3. David Sent for Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9:5-6)
    1. He fetched him out of Lodebar (2 Samuel 9:5; Psalm 40:2)
    2. Mephibosheth did reverence to David (2 Samuel 9:6; Luke 18:13)
    3. Mephibosheth presented himself as a servant (2 Samuel 9:6; Matthew 23:11-12)
    4. Mephibosheth means exterminator of shame.  He is the seventh person mentioned in the chapter and he is mentioned seven times.
  4. David Showed Kindess on Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9:7-8)
    1. For Jonathans sake (2 Samuel 9:7; Isaiah 53:4-6)
    2. His restored inheritance (2 Samuel 9:7; Romans 8:16-18)
    3. His place at Davids table (2 Samuel 9:7; Psalm 23:5)
    4. His spirit of humility (2 Samuel 9:8); a dead dog
  5. David Served Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9:9-12)
    1. He appointed Ziba to serve him (2 Samuel 9:9-10; Hebrews 1:13-14)
    2. He assured a harvest for Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9:10-11; 1 Corinthians 15:58; Galatians 6:9)
  6. David Showered Blessings on Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9:10)
    1. A harvest AND a place at his table
    2. He gave him seventy feet to replace his lame ones Ziba had 15 sons and 20 servants who were to serve Mephibosheth (35 x 2 = 70)
  7. David Secured a Place for Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9:13)
    1. Dwelling in Jerusalem (John 14:1-3)
    2. Eating continually at Davids table (Psalm 23:6)
    3. Still lame on both feet still no merit!!!

CONCLUSION: You and I are lame on both feet—but God has a gift for us through Jesus Christ if we will accept Him.