Sermon Title: Amazing and Outrageous Mercy
Text: Matthew 9:9–13
Follow Me
Matthew was sitting at his tax booth when Jesus walked by. He was the last person anyone expected to be chosen as a disciple. Tax collectors were traitors, lining their pockets at the expense of their neighbors. Most people had, no doubt, written Matthew off as beyond hope.
We often make similar judgments. We mentally draw lines between the ‘good’ and the ‘bad,’ the people we think God might save and those we think He won’t. The truth is, without Jesus, we’re all in the same category: sinners in need of mercy. That’s the Law, God’s reminder that our own hearts are no cleaner than Matthew’s.
Here’s the Gospel: Jesus doesn’t wait for us to fix ourselves before calling us. He steps into our lives with the same invitation He gave Matthew: “Follow Me.” His cross has erased every sin, even the ones we hide deep inside.
Here’s the Gospel: Jesus doesn’t wait for us to fix ourselves before calling us. He steps into our lives with the same invitation He gave Matthew: “Follow Me.” His cross has erased every sin, even the ones we hide deep inside.
Through Baptism, He’s made us part of His family. Like Matthew, we’re called not because we’re worthy, but because Jesus is merciful. In Christ, your past is not your future. His mercy defines you now.
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, thank You for calling me to follow You, even when I was lost in sin. Help me to see others through Your eyes of mercy and to share Your invitation with them. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Jesus calls the unlikely and shows mercy to the undeserving.
HYMN:
Hymn: LSB 609 – Jesus Sinners Doth Receive
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