Mamzer, Leper, Outcast | May 15, 2022

Follow Along with the Message

God uses His Word to reveal Himself to us, equip us to live the good life He’s designed for us,
show us our sin, and strengthen us as we follow Him (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Colossians 1:9-12, and
James 1:22-25). Suggested Time: 20-40 minutes 

Sermon theme: Christianity is a movement of “Mamzers” – Phil Carnuccio

Primary Scripture Passage: Matthew 8: 1-4

 Compare Matthew 8:1 to Matthew 5:1 – what do you notice, and how would you summarize the core message of Chapters 5, 6 and 7 of Matthew’s Gospel?

 In Jewish culture the Hebrew word “mamzer” means illegitimate child…outcast…outside the community, one who does not belong. Considering the Hebrew laws pertaining to leprosy, discuss what makes the exchange between the leper and Jesus in verses 2 and 3 so shocking.

 Read Hebrews 4: 14-16
- What aspect of Jesus’ response to the leper in verse 3 sends an encouraging
message to all who believe and follow Jesus as Lord?

 In verse 4 when Jesus instructs the leper to go and show himself to the priest, he is pointing to a rarely-used section of the law in Leviticus 14 concerning the cleansing of lepers (review Leviticus 14: 1-9).
- Beyond compliance with the law, why do you think Jesus instructs the leper to visit
and show himself to the priest?

 Encourage one another to share and confess any feelings of being excluded and far off from
God due to past mistakes. Read the scriptures below as you pray together for one another:
- “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” (Ephesians‬)
- “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”