IN THIS EPISODE:

In this episode of Between Sundays, Tyler, Maron, and Barry return to the Gospel of Matthew (chapters 8–9) to talk tax collectors, table fellowship, and the transforming power of Jesus’ mercy.

What does it mean that Jesus called someone like Matthew, a despised collaborator and social outcast, to follow Him? Why did Jesus share a meal with "sinners and scum"? And what do ancient customs like reclining at the table, status symbols, and mercy over sacrifice still teach us about following Jesus today?

We're diving deep into Week 9 of the Follow Me series at Grace Church, unpacking:

- Jesus’ absolute authority and radical inclusion

- The cultural and spiritual weight of eating together

- Why Matthew’s calling is a turning point in God’s new kingdom

- Hosea 6:6, mercy vs. sacrifice, and what that means for church today

- What it looks like to extend mercy even to the people we judge... or just don't want at our

table

Plus, we tackle a bunch of big questions:

- What makes someone open to mercy?

- Is mercy optional for Christians?

- Can churches be built on mercy instead of sacrifice?

- Did tax collectors choose their path—and could they quit?

We also answer a few fun mailbag questions, including:

- What’s your most-used emoji?

- Where do you go in Scripture on hard days?

- Favorite Between Sundays moment from 300 episodes!

Submit your questions for future episodes: https://gracechurch.us/podcast

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share with someone who might be sitting in their own tax booth!

⏰ TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 - What's New with the Gang

05:39 - Mayonnaise & Mandarin Oranges

14:32 - Most Used Emojis

21:02 - Favorite Podcast Moments

24:14. Big Idea & Sermon Discussion

25:03 - The Calling of Matthew

27:14 - Tax Collectors in Ancient Israel

31:24 - Matthew’s Longing & Readiness

34:52 - Forgiveness vs. Inclusion

39:48 - Reclining at Dinner & Table Fellowship

43:01 - Matthew’s Dinner Party: Evangelism or Hospitality?

47:13 - Pharisees, Sinners, and Table Dynamics

50:04 - Mercy vs. Sacrifice

58:13 - Mercy as a Non-Negotiable for Christians

01:02:49 - Receiving Mercy: Humility and Transformation

01:06:58 - Building Churches on Mercy, Not Sacrifice

01:12:02 - Where Do We Go Next? & Podcast Wrap-up

🎙️ ABOUT THE SHOW:

Church services happen on weekends. And that's all well and good until we get to Mondays and find ourselves asking, "Now what?"

Welcome to Between Sundays! Join hosts Tyler, Maron, and Barry every Wednesday as they hang out and catch up on the conversations, sermons, and culture of Grace Church.

🔔 SUBSCRIBE for new episodes every Wednesday

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