How can one act of mercy make a difference? Ask the apostle Matthew. Because Jesus called Matthew, tax collectors and sinners joined to eat with Jesus and his disciples. Jesus offered God’s Word to the outcasts and fringes of society. While Christians are not to become unequally yoked with unbelievers, Christians are to act with mercy and kindness to reach those who are “outsiders.” Christ exhorted critical Pharisees to “Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’” Sacrifice is meaningless without mercy. This study encourages believers to follow Christ’s example. Jesus called sinners to repent (Luke 5:32). Repentance is essential to the forgiveness of sins and publishing of the Gospel message (Luke 24:46–8; Acts 2:38; 3:19). How can Christians learn from Christ to lead others to mercy and repentance?

Scripture Reading: Matthew 12:1-8 (read by Barry Rutkowski)

Lesson by Scott Shifferd

Recorded August 28, 2016 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL