Series: Rooted
Week: 7 – Shalom
Scripture: Luke 10:25–37; Jeremiah 29:4–7; Titus 3:4–5; Micah 6:8

Big Idea:
God calls His people to embody mercy personally and shalom collectively—bringing His peace, justice, and renewal to the world. But we can’t extend true mercy or live in true shalom until we’ve first received it from Christ.

I. The Question of Justification

The expert in the law asks, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Luke 10:25)

His question isn’t about love—it’s about justifying himself.

Like him, we all seek to prove our worth: through comparison, religion, or performance.

But we can’t meet the standard or change the rules. We fall short.

II. Jesus Flips the Story

The parable of the Good Samaritan isn’t about moral improvement—it’s about mercy received.

We are not the Good Samaritan; we’re the traveler, beaten and broken by sin.

Religion (the priest) and morality (the Levite) can’t save us.

But the despised One—Jesus—comes near, binds our wounds, pays our debt, and restores us.

Only when we’ve received mercy can we truly extend mercy.

III. Mercy Leads to Shalom

Mercy (Hebrew: hesed) isn’t just withholding punishment—it’s love that moves toward brokenness.

Mercy acts; it steps toward pain, binds wounds, and restores what’s broken.

When mercy is extended, shalom begins—wholeness, harmony, everything in its right place.

Micah 6:8 calls us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly.

IV. God’s Mission is Shalom

In Jeremiah 29, God tells exiles to seek the peace and prosperity (shalom) of their city.

Shalom is more than peace—it’s renewal and restoration.

God’s mission isn’t to rescue people from the world but to renew the world through His people.

Every act of mercy and service becomes a declaration of the gospel.

V. Shalom is Our Calling

We too are exiles (1 Peter 2:11). Our calling isn’t escape—it’s engagement.

To be a peacemaker is to bring heaven’s peace into earth’s chaos (Matthew 5:9).

Every time we forgive, serve, build, or pray—we participate in God’s justice.

“Seek the peace and prosperity of the city… for if it prospers, you too will prosper.” (Jeremiah 29:7)

But we can’t give what we haven’t received.

The true Good Samaritan—Jesus—restored us first so that we can restore others.