TEXT: MATTHEW 9:9-13

TITLE: CONSCIOUS AND INTENTIONAL MINISTRY IN THE MOMENT

INTRODUCTION

A. As humans, we tend to group ourselves around commonalities

B. The blessing of grouping ourselves around commonalities…

C. The burden of grouping ourselves around commonalities…

WHO ARE THE PEOPLE THAT I CANNOT STAND?

A. I did not ask, “Are there people that I cannot stand?”

B. The Jewish People despised tax collectors

C. However, Jesus…
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">1. Saw Matthew</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">2. Spoke to Matthew</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">3. Invited Matthew to be with Him</p>
D. Considering the people that I cannot stand…
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">1. Do I see them?</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">2. Do I speak to them?</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">3. Do I invite them to be with me?</p>
I FOLLOW JESUS, JESUS FOLLOWS ME, OTHERS FOLLOW ME TO JESUS

A. Jesus goes to Matthew’s house for dinner

B. Others, like Matthew, go to Matthew’s house for dinner

C. When I follow Jesus, Jesus will follow me, Then others will follow me to Jesus

SOME WILL NOT GET IT…

A. “Why?”
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">1. “Why is Jesus eating with tax collectors and sinners?”</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">2. “Why are you spending time with them…?”</p>
B. Jesus, “This is why I am here.”

C. Pilgrim Rest, “This is why I am here.”
<p style="text-align: center;">CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">THAT I WILL CONSCIOUSLY AND INTENTIONALLY SEEK WAYS TO MINISTER TO OTHERS</p>