Notes + Questions: Mercy, Not Sacrifice
Introduction: The Generosity of Jesus
2 Corinthians 8:9
What sort of sin can Jesus forgive?
Matthew the Tax Collector
The Tax System in Israel
• Set up by Rome and assigned to the highest bidder in country. Supported by the might of Rome’s legions.
• They taxed a minimum amount for Rome and kept what they were able to exact above and beyond that.
• Two types of tax collectors - Gabbai and Mokhes
Two types of tax collectors - Gabbai and Mokhes
• Gabbai - Property Taxes (1%); Income Taxes (Grain - 10%, Fruit - 20%); Poll Tax (every person alive)
• Mokhes - Duty tax on absolutely everything
“Tax Collectors and Sinners”
Matthew 11:19
The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’
Matthew 5:46
For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?
Matthew 18:17
If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.
Jesus’ response to the Pharisees:
Matthew 9:12
But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.”
Matthew 9:13
“Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Matthew 5:7
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”
The Story of Hosea
Covenant: A relationship between parties characterized by faithfulness and loyalty in love.
Hosea 1:2–3 Take Gomer (the prostitute) as your wife
Hosea 1:6–7 Your daughter shall be called ‘No Mercy’
Hosea 1:8–9 Your son shall be called ‘Not My People’, for you are not my people, and I am not your God.
Hosea 2:16–18 “You will call me ‘My Husband’…And I will make for them a covenant on that day…and I will make you lie down in safety.
Hosea 2:23 “And I will have mercy on No Mercy, and I will say to Not My People, ‘You are my people’; and he shall say, ‘You are my God.’”
Hosea 4:1 There is no faithfulness or steadfast love, and no knowledge of God in the land…
Hosea 5:4 [4] Their deeds do not permit them to return to their God. For the spirit of whoredom is within them, and they know not the LORD.
Hosea 6:1-6
In their unfaithfulness God has remained faithful.
• I will redeem you
• I will heal your apostasy
• I will love you freely
Conclusion:
• Jesus forgives even the “worst sins”
• Jesus forgives you!
• Jesus gives us His mercy
• We must be instruments of mercy
Community Group Questions:
• Have you ever (even now) feel like you are too far gone? Do you feel beyond the reach of God’s mercy and love?
• Have you ever experienced the forgiveness of someone else? What was that experience like?
• In what ways do you need to grow in showing (and experiencing) mercy?
• What are you grateful for?