Grace & Truth: The Anatomy of Disgust

Pastor Kent Landhuis

THEME - We are defiled by what comes out of our hearts. 

TEXT - Matthew 15:10-28

1. Truth: Jesus was unapologetically offensive.

Matthew 15:12

Matthew 15:1-9

2. Truth: Evil comes from the heart.

Matthew 15:10-20

Luke 6:65

Proverbs 4:23

3. Truth: We are easily disgusted by “them.”

Matthew 15:21-22

4. Grace: Jesus is not disgusted by the things that disgust us.

Matthew 15:23-28

Luke 18:9-14

NEXT STEPS

1. Guard your heart.

2. Don’t be disgusted by appearances.

3. Give thanks that there is room at the table for you.

GO DEEPER - Eating with Jesus

While He was reclining at the table in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came as guests to eat with Jesus and His disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” ~ Matthew 9:10-11.

Jesus gathered for dinner in Matthew’s home with Matthew’s tax collecting buddies. Matthew made a profit off Rome’s oppression of his people, and so, the only people who approved of him were other people making similar choices.

The word “sinners” in the gospels described those who were likely non-law-observant Jews who did not tithe, sacrifice, or observe the rites of purity that were meant to set God’s people apart. It also described those who were diseased, injured, or contaminated. These people were outcasts. Outsiders. 

Matthew, who had just been called by Jesus, immediately brought others to Jesus. Rather than drop his friends, he invited them to come meet Jesus. They wanted to meet Jesus AND Jesus wanted to meet them.  

When Jesus accepted Matthew’s invitation to eat with these people, it was scandalous. Eating together implied sharing not just food but something deeper. Even strangers around a table became something more. They became acceptable.

Jesus extended grace to people thought to be unworthy and THAT disgusted the Pharisees. Jesus, motivated by love, associated with sinners: that was his mission. 

In this moment, Jesus showed his heart. It was (and is) to share the table with those who are far from him. Jesus longs to share himself with us. AND with everyone! That was (and is) the true identity of Jesus.