Sermon based on Matthew 10:8

God prefers our active kindness toward others in showing (mercy) rather than just going through the motions of religious traditions (sacrifice). This calls for an inner transformation of your heart. When your heart is filled with God's love, your interactions with people will be naturally shaped by mercy, grace, forgiveness, and care.

We are told to Go and learn what this means, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” And then, once we have learned it, and received it, go and share it. To the glory of God. Amen.

Jesus also tells his disciples and by default, ourselves to: “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons: freely you have received, freely give.”

This command carries a powerful message about service and the responsibilities that come with receiving God’s grace. Here, Jesus instructs His disciples to take bold actions in their ministry. The invitation to heal the sick and perform miracles is a mission grounded in love and compassion. Each task listed—from healing to raising the dead—highlights the authority that Jesus bestows upon His followers.

The concept of giving freely aligns with the principle that all we have, comes from God. We are reminded that our gifts and blessings are not meant to be hoarded but shared generously with others. This act of kindness and grace is integral to our faith as we model our lives after Jesus, who set the ultimate example of selfless love.

Healing the sick is a physical expression of love. When we see someone in need, it is our duty to help them, serving both their physical and emotional needs. Now, we may not have the ability to heal others physically like the apostles, but we can uplift others through prayer, listening, support, and encouragement. In doing so, we reflect the character of Christ, who cared for those in pain.

By asking us to cleanse lepers, Jesus emphasizes the idea of inclusion. Lepers during His time faced severe social isolation and humiliation. We are called to accept and serve excluded individuals, no matter their circumstances.  Encouraging us to consider how we treat those who are marginalized and overlooked? We are invited to ask ourselves how we can open our hearts to love those who, for one reason or another, have been rejected.

Raising the dead speaks to the transformative power of Christ’s love. It represents renewal and hope. While we may not have literal authority over life and death, we can certainly be agents of hope in a world that can often seem dark. We can help others experience spiritual renewal through the message of Christ.

Casting out demons symbolizes overcoming sin, fear, and oppression. We all at some point struggle with things that weigh us down. By delivering others from their burdens, we contribute to their freedom. This spiritual authority is about more than supernatural acts; it is about empowering others to experience peace and wholeness in Christ.

When Jesus instructs us to give freely, He reminds us of the importance of generosity. We have been blessed in many ways—spiritually, physically, and emotionally. Our blessings, both big and small, should serve as a shared resource that should not be kept to ourselves. By learning to give freely, we cultivate a culture of generosity and service, reflecting the heart of Jesus.

The essence of giving without expectation is echoed throughout the Scriptures, where generosity becomes a hallmark of the Christian life. This theme presents itself in how believers are encouraged to exhibit kindness and compassion, illustrated through parables like the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37).

Read the good Samaritan.

In this parable, the good Samaritan personifies the principle of providing help and aid without seeking reward, demonstrating that the act of giving should stem from genuine love and a concern for others, rather than obligation or self-interest. Believers are called to respond to the needs of their neighbours, mirroring the grace they themselves have experienced and received through Christ.

By healing, raising the dead, and casting out demons, these acts contribute to the Kingdom of God, demonstrating the reality of God’s reign through tangible evidence. The miracles performed by Jesus were not merely for show; they served as confirmation of His teachings, showing His authority and power.

As His followers, we are invited into this mission—it is not limited to the disciples of Jesus’ time. Jesus’ direction extends to everyone who chooses to follow Him today.

Final Thoughts

In summary, Jesus presents us with a beautiful and yet challenging call to action. The mission entrusted to us extends beyond mere words—it compels us to enact change and demonstrate Jesus’ love in the world around us. By participating in His work, we will learn to embody Christ’s love through our actions. As we reflect on Jesus’ instructions, let us commit ourselves to acts of healing, acts of inclusion, acts of renewal, acts of liberation, acts of mercy and acts of generosity. We can start small, learning to give freely, whilst serving others in our everyday lives. Remember, little acts of love can create significant impacts on others. Let us embrace our calling and be a light to others. Amen.