Called to Follow Jesus

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time

on Matthew 9:27-38; Jesus gives sight to two blind men, he casts a demon from another man, and crowds move him to compassion.

www.FirstChurchBville@gmail.com  @FirstUMCBville  @kerrfunk

• We are at end of major section of Matthew started in January.
Teaching and discipleship, miracles and authority.
No power greater than Jesus. Also Jesus' great compassion.
Summary preach, teach, heal.

• Jesus leads by example (go, do, show compassion), putting people first.

Jesus handing power to people

- the bleeding woman (by your faith)

- the blind men (do you believe? … Just as you have believed 9:29)

- the transitional plea to the Lord of the harvest (9:36-38)

     to ask for God to send (& empower) people

• Jesus concerned @ shepherds. Is shepherd. Calls shepherds.

• Calls you to be disciple. To act with compassion (which requires sight... look around... you can look far or near, variety of ways to respond. Yesterday's homeless picnic in Huntington, UMCOR) and to shepherd. To respond with faithful “YES” to call.

• into prayer of confession, and Hymn 121 There's A Wideness In God's Mercy