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Part 2 - Week 1: A Holy King

Sermon Recap

This week, Pastor John highlighted one of the most breathtaking qualities of Jesus — His compassion. Compassion wasn’t just a feeling for Jesus — it was His reflex. In Scripture, we see Him move toward the leper in Matthew 8 and toward the adulterous woman in John 8 — people everyone else avoided, rejected, or condemned. While culture stepped back, Jesus stepped in. His compassion restores dignity, breaks shame, reaches into filth, and calls people to new life.

And just as He moved toward the broken then — He still does today. The question is not whether Jesus is willing — it’s whether we truly understand His heart and will follow His example toward others.

Key Scripture

  • Matthew 8:1–4

  • John 8:1–11

  • Matthew 9:35–36

  • Luke 7:11–15


Discussion Questions

  1. When you think of the word compassion, what comes to mind — emotion or action? What’s the difference?

  2. In Matthew 8, the leper breaks every boundary just to reach Jesus. What does his boldness show about how desperately people long to be seen — not just healed?

  3. Who are the “modern-day lepers” in our world — the people culture avoids, ignores, or quietly judges? (Be honest.)

  4. Jesus touched the leper before He healed him. What does that reveal about the way Jesus sees human dignity?

  5. If compassion is more than sympathy — what does it look like for you to “move toward” someone instead of withdrawing? (Family, co-worker, neighbor, prodigal, etc.)

  6. What is one specific person, group, or space God is nudging you to move toward this week — not just pray for from a distance?



Prayer 

Jesus, thank You that You moved toward the broken, the unclean, the ashamed — and that You move toward us today. Give us Your eyes to see those the world overlooks. Give us courage to step toward people, not away. Let Your compassion rise up in us — not in word only, but in action. Make us more like You. Amen.


Life Application

  • Compassion takes initiative — don’t wait, move first.

  • Restore dignity — see people, not problems.

  • Move toward the avoided, not just the easy.

  • Let compassion interrupt your schedule — like it did for Jesus.

  • This week — identify one “untouchable” you will intentionally move toward.


Don’t Forget!

  • Sign up for classes this Fall

    Conversations Through Ephesians- Wed nights Sept 24- Oct 29th

    Kids Club: Live Like Jesus- Wed nights Sept 24- Oct 29th

    Starting Point- Sunday Mornings Sept 28- Oct 26


Additional Resources

Sermon Playback & Video Resources | Spotify Playlist | Church Center App