Mercy of Sacrifice

Living Hope Presbyterian Church

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Matthew 8

9 As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him. 10 And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. 11 And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 12 But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

ESV: The Holy Bible, English Standard Version ©2011 Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.

Sermon Summary: The sermon delves into the transformative power of redemption and the scandalous nature of the gospel, using the story of Chuck Colson’s conversion and the encounter of Jesus with Matthew, a tax collector. It emphasizes the themes of repentance, mercy, and the call to follow Christ, challenging listeners to embrace humility, compassion, and a gospel-centered life.

Key Points:

• Chuck Colson’s radical transformation from a notorious figure to a redeemed sinner highlights the scandalous nature of the gospel.
• Jesus’ association with tax collectors and sinners demonstrates his mission to call those who recognize their sin and seek repentance.
• The Pharisees’ self-righteousness contrasts with Jesus’ emphasis on mercy and the need for sinners to acknowledge their spiritual sickness.
• Jesus’ response to John’s disciples regarding fasting underscores the importance of understanding spiritual growth and applying discipline with compassion.

Bible Verses Mentioned:

• Matthew 9:9-13
• Isaiah 42:3
• 1 Corinthians 8:11-13

Humor and Anecdotes:

• Chuck Colson’s surprising conversion and subsequent ministry in prisons illustrate the profound impact of encountering Christ and experiencing redemption.

Key Quotes:

• “I desire mercy, and not sacrifice. For I came not to call the righteous but sinners.”
• “God desires mercy because God is a merciful God.”

Themes:

• Redemption through repentance and acknowledgment of sin.
• The scandal of the gospel in reaching out to sinners and transforming lives.
• The balance between spiritual discipline and compassion in guiding new believers.
• The importance of humility, mercy, and grace in living out the gospel message.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does the story of Chuck Colson challenge our perceptions of redemption and the transformative power of the gospel?
2. In what ways do we struggle with self-righteousness or judgmental attitudes towards others in our Christian walk?
3. How can we cultivate a heart of mercy and compassion towards fellow sinners while upholding the demands of the gospel?

Metaphors and Stories:

• The analogies of new wine in old wineskins and new patches on old garments symbolize the need for spiritual renewal and understanding the stages of spiritual growth.
• The image of Jesus dining with repentant sinners portrays the essence of the gospel message, emphasizing mercy, repentance, and fellowship in Christ.