Courageous Grace

Matthew 9:9-13

Why is eating with sinners a problem for the Pharisees?

• Jesus dinner guests are unrepentant sinners, and therefore unclean
• The Pharisees prioritized ritual purity above all else - including mercy

Jesus’ Response:

• Mercy, not ritual purity, is the higher priority
• This is his divine vocation, to bring mercy to those who need it

This leaves all who would follow Jesus with two, clear responsibilities:

1. To receive God’s mercy
2. To extend God’s mercy to others

Take Home Idea: Courageous discipleship requires receiving and extending mercy, because  if you actually follow Jesus, you will end up eating with tax collectors and sinners.