Prepare for Sunday morning worship by using the guide below.

Matthew 9:9-13

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.”

Worship Lyrics

Download the songs for this Sunday's service HERE.

Watch the Sermon

Summary: We are beginning our series for advent. Advent means ‘coming’ and is part of the church calendar reflecting on the coming of Jesus in the flesh. It is good to be reminded of the reasons for Jesus coming into our world. This Sunday we see that he has come to save sinners. This is revealed through Matthew's own story. He tells how he changed from being a tax collector to be a follower of Jesus. For those who have eyes to see and ears to hear, Matthew becomes a real-life living example of Jesus’ desire to reach out to sinners and to change them. The radical nature of his grace is not met with celebration only but will bring controversy and challenge the listener.  

Review and Apply

In what ways, has your life changed as you "follow" Jesus?

How can you continue to celebrate your entrance and participation in the kingdom of God?

What does it mean that I desire mercy and not sacrifice? How does that look in your life toward people who are broken and struggling?

How does Jesus' "mission to not call the righteous but sinners" lead you to worship?

Give

If you would like to give online CLICK HERE. For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you. (1 Chronicles 29:10-18)