Joy Beyond Legalism

2.22.26 sermon by Phillip D. Mumford

Matthew 9:1-8 So he got into a boat, crossed over, and came to his own town. [2] Just then some men brought to him a paralytic lying on a stretcher. Seeing their faith, Jesus told the paralytic, "Have courage, son, your sins are forgiven." [3] At this, some of the scribes said to themselves, "He's blaspheming!" [4] Perceiving their thoughts, Jesus said, "Why are you thinking evil things in your hearts? [5] For which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'? [6] But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins"-then he told the paralytic, "Get up, take your stretcher, and go home." [7] So he got up and went home. [8] When the crowds saw this, they were awestruck and gave glory to God, who had given such authority to men.

Matthew  9:9-13 As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office, and he said to him, "Follow me," and he got up and followed him. [10] While he was reclining at the table in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came to eat with Jesus and his disciples. [11] When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" [12] Now when he heard this, he said, "It is not those who are well who need a doctor, but those who are sick. [13] Go and learn what this means: I desire mercy and not sacrifice. For I didn't come to call the righteous, but sinners."