CALL TO CONFESSION

Matthew 9:10-13

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.”

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Compassionate Father, we confess that we often resist needing your mercy. In our self-righteousness, religious performance replaces genuine love, and we become blind to the suffering of those around us. Sometimes caring for others becomes the very duty we use to justify ourselves. Forgive us and have mercy on us. Father, you have shown us great mercy through the sacrifice of your Son. Melt our indifferent hearts with the astonishing truth of your love for us in Christ, who bore the weight of our sin so we could inherit every spiritual blessing.

Jesus, thank you for walking through this broken world with eyes of compassion, serving others even when it disrupted your life. Though we are often callous, we praise you that your perfect obedience and love are credited to us.

Holy Spirit, keep us mindful of our weakness so we may cherish Christ's righteousness. Soften our stony hearts with gratitude for the mercy we have received until compassion and love flows out of us like a river. Help us surrender our agendas, open our eyes to those in need, and walk with joyful confidence in the good works you have prepared for us. Cover our shameful lack of mercy and love for others with the glorious obedience of Jesus. May our growing love for him compel us to face a needy world with peace and real power to help. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen. 

“Take a few moments to personally confess your sins to the Lord.”

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

“Hear these words of comfort and assurance.” 

Psalm 103:8, 10-12

The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.

11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,

  so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;

12 as far as the east is from the west,

  so far does he remove our transgressions from us. 

APPLICATION AND REFLECTION

In light of today's message....

• What did I learn about the gospel?
• How can I apply what I learned about the gospel to my life?
• With whom can I share the gospel this week?