God's Love in an Ever-Expanding Circle | Dr. Tom Pace Preaching | 07.05.2026

Welcome to St. Luke's United Methodist Welcome to St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Houston. I'm Katie McGomery Church in Houston. I'm Katie McGomery Church in Houston. I'm Katie McGomery Mirs, the executive pastor, and I'm Mirs, the executive pastor, and I'm Mirs, the executive pastor, and I'm really glad that you're joining us really glad that you're joining us really glad that you're joining us today. Whether you're in the car, at the today. Whether you're in the car, at the today. Whether you're in the car, at the gym, or settling in for a quiet moment, gym, or settling in for a quiet moment, gym, or settling in for a quiet moment, let this be your time to draw closer to let this be your time to draw closer to let this be your time to draw closer to God. This week in our Holiday with Jesus God. This week in our Holiday with Jesus God. This week in our Holiday with Jesus sermon series, we'll talk about Jesus's sermon series, we'll talk about Jesus's sermon series, we'll talk about Jesus's time in Tyer, Siden, the Dicapus, and time in Tyer, Siden, the Dicapus, and time in Tyer, Siden, the Dicapus, and Samaria. He encountered a lot of people Samaria. He encountered a lot of people Samaria. He encountered a lot of people that were hard for Jews to love, but he that were hard for Jews to love, but he that were hard for Jews to love, but he showed them how to do it. And I wonder showed them how to do it. And I wonder showed them how to do it. And I wonder how often you encounter folks that are how often you encounter folks that are how often you encounter folks that are hard to love and may need this word of hard to love and may need this word of hard to love and may need this word of encouragement. I hope to see you back encouragement. I hope to see you back encouragement. I hope to see you back next week to listen, learn, and grow next week to listen, learn, and grow next week to listen, learn, and grow together. together. together. >> Let's uh pray together. Oh God, open us >> Let's uh pray together. Oh God, open us >> Let's uh pray together. Oh God, open us up. Open our eyes that we might see and up. Open our eyes that we might see and up. Open our eyes that we might see and our ears that we might hear. Open our our ears that we might hear. Open our our ears that we might hear. Open our hearts, God, hearts, God, hearts, God, that the word we hear in the midst of that the word we hear in the midst of that the word we hear in the midst of these words might just fall in and do these words might just fall in and do these words might just fall in and do its work. its work. its work. And then, oh God, in response, open our And then, oh God, in response, open our And then, oh God, in response, open our hands that we might give and serve and hands that we might give and serve and hands that we might give and serve and love.

love. love. Amen. Amen. Amen. I suspect that you have not seen the I suspect that you have not seen the I suspect that you have not seen the movie Mean Girls. Um, you wouldn't have movie Mean Girls. Um, you wouldn't have movie Mean Girls. Um, you wouldn't have unless you were like me and had a child, unless you were like me and had a child, unless you were like me and had a child, a tween in the uh as you know. Um, and I a tween in the uh as you know. Um, and I a tween in the uh as you know. Um, and I had a bunch of girls and so we saw mean had a bunch of girls and so we saw mean had a bunch of girls and so we saw mean girls. My daughter said I said, "Did we girls. My daughter said I said, "Did we girls. My daughter said I said, "Did we see that?" and she said, "I've seen it see that?" and she said, "I've seen it see that?" and she said, "I've seen it like 50 times." So, uh, anyway, but you like 50 times." So, uh, anyway, but you like 50 times." So, uh, anyway, but you don't really need to have seen it don't really need to have seen it don't really need to have seen it because you probably, if you went to because you probably, if you went to because you probably, if you went to high school, you lived it in some way, high school, you lived it in some way, high school, you lived it in some way, shape, or form. Here, here's the story shape, or form. Here, here's the story shape, or form. Here, here's the story of Mean Girls. It also became a Broadway of Mean Girls. It also became a Broadway of Mean Girls. It also became a Broadway musical, by the way, that won some Tony musical, by the way, that won some Tony musical, by the way, that won some Tony Awards and but it it had a short run Awards and but it it had a short run Awards and but it it had a short run because COVID hit and it got closed because COVID hit and it got closed because COVID hit and it got closed down, but so some of you may have be down, but so some of you may have be down, but so some of you may have be very sophisticated and have seen it on very sophisticated and have seen it on very sophisticated and have seen it on Broadway. Um anyway, a story is about a Broadway. Um anyway, a story is about a Broadway. Um anyway, a story is about a a girl named Katie who moves to a new a girl named Katie who moves to a new a girl named Katie who moves to a new town, goes to the high school, and uh town, goes to the high school, and uh town, goes to the high school, and uh she she wants to be included and she's she she wants to be included and she's she she wants to be included and she's looking for friends, and so she's she looking for friends, and so she's she looking for friends, and so she's she tries all these different groups, but tries all these different groups, but tries all these different groups, but but somehow she's an attractive Lindsay but somehow she's an attractive Lindsay but somehow she's an attractive Lindsay Lohen plays the part in the old the Lohen plays the part in the old the Lohen plays the part in the old the first version of the movie. She's she's first version of the movie. She's she's first version of the movie. She's she's drawn into the popular kids, the girls drawn into the popular kids, the girls drawn into the popular kids, the girls called the Plastics. That was their called the Plastics. That was their called the Plastics. That was their name, the Plastics. And the plastics name, the Plastics. And the plastics name, the Plastics. And the plastics were the in crowd. They understood were the in crowd. They understood were the in crowd. They understood themselves as particularly blessed. They themselves as particularly blessed. They themselves as particularly blessed. They had everything they needed. They they had everything they needed. They they had everything they needed. They they were special. Um and they were just a were special. Um and they were just a were special. Um and they were just a little bit better than everybody else.

little bit better than everybody else. little bit better than everybody else. And um so she she hadn't really intended And um so she she hadn't really intended And um so she she hadn't really intended to be a part of them. She actually to be a part of them. She actually to be a part of them. She actually started as a spy for them. But then she started as a spy for them. But then she started as a spy for them. But then she kind of started to like being being part kind of started to like being being part kind of started to like being being part of this in crowd. Well, there were all of this in crowd. Well, there were all of this in crowd. Well, there were all the other groups, too. You know, uh what the other groups, too. You know, uh what the other groups, too. You know, uh what those groups are. Let's see. I I want to those groups are. Let's see. I I want to those groups are. Let's see. I I want to look give you the names of the ones that look give you the names of the ones that look give you the names of the ones that were very specific for the um uh for were very specific for the um uh for were very specific for the um uh for this uh movie. You say they were um the this uh movie. You say they were um the this uh movie. You say they were um the the art freaks, the jocks, the band the art freaks, the jocks, the band the art freaks, the jocks, the band geeks, the math elites, the preps, the geeks, the math elites, the preps, the geeks, the math elites, the preps, the burnouts, people she called the burnouts, people she called the burnouts, people she called the desperate wannabes, the ROC guys, and desperate wannabes, the ROC guys, and desperate wannabes, the ROC guys, and the lowest tier in the cafeteria, the the lowest tier in the cafeteria, the the lowest tier in the cafeteria, the freshmen. So, if you there was like a freshmen. So, if you there was like a freshmen. So, if you there was like a little map of the cafeteria and you little map of the cafeteria and you little map of the cafeteria and you could identify where each person was to could identify where each person was to could identify where each person was to see. And and so here's the thing. The see. And and so here's the thing. The see. And and so here's the thing. The the plastics were really afraid to let the plastics were really afraid to let the plastics were really afraid to let anybody else in, but they managed to let anybody else in, but they managed to let anybody else in, but they managed to let her in. Well, here's where it gets her in. Well, here's where it gets her in. Well, here's where it gets unrealistic unrealistic unrealistic is gets unrealistic because she is is gets unrealistic because she is is gets unrealistic because she is elected uh queen of of the spring fling elected uh queen of of the spring fling elected uh queen of of the spring fling and uh the spring fling dance. And at and uh the spring fling dance. And at and uh the spring fling dance. And at her acceptance speech at the dance, she her acceptance speech at the dance, she her acceptance speech at the dance, she says, you know, this really doesn't mean says, you know, this really doesn't mean says, you know, this really doesn't mean anything because everyone is special in anything because everyone is special in anything because everyone is special in their own way and everybody is is their own way and everybody is is their own way and everybody is is included. and and she takes off her included. and and she takes off her included. and and she takes off her little tiara and she breaks it into little tiara and she breaks it into little tiara and she breaks it into little pieces and she hands each little little pieces and she hands each little little pieces and she hands each little piece to all of her classmates as a way piece to all of her classmates as a way piece to all of her classmates as a way of saying we're all part of of of the of

of saying we're all part of of of the of of saying we're all part of of of the of the goodness here. Now, no one has ever the goodness here. Now, no one has ever the goodness here. Now, no one has ever said this before, but um I believe that said this before, but um I believe that said this before, but um I believe that the that the the trajectory of the the that the the trajectory of the the that the the trajectory of the gospel, the story of the Bible is the gospel, the story of the Bible is the gospel, the story of the Bible is the story of Mean Girls. That has never been story of Mean Girls. That has never been story of Mean Girls. That has never been a premise for a sermon before. I am a premise for a sermon before. I am a premise for a sermon before. I am convinced. convinced. convinced. But that's true. It's this movement from But that's true. It's this movement from But that's true. It's this movement from a a group who understood themselves to a a group who understood themselves to a a group who understood themselves to be especially blessed be especially blessed be especially blessed to an inclusion of everyone to an inclusion of everyone to an inclusion of everyone into the circle of God. into the circle of God. into the circle of God. Let's do a little Bible study with me if Let's do a little Bible study with me if Let's do a little Bible study with me if you would. Um, so, uh, if you want to you would. Um, so, uh, if you want to you would. Um, so, uh, if you want to think of the Bible, it it isn't a single think of the Bible, it it isn't a single think of the Bible, it it isn't a single book, right? It's a bunch of books. It's book, right? It's a bunch of books. It's book, right? It's a bunch of books. It's a library, if you will, that the Holy a library, if you will, that the Holy a library, if you will, that the Holy Spirit has put together to demonstrate Spirit has put together to demonstrate Spirit has put together to demonstrate God's work in the world. And and I want God's work in the world. And and I want God's work in the world. And and I want you to imagine it as sort of a like a you to imagine it as sort of a like a you to imagine it as sort of a like a sailboat tacks across the lake. It sailboat tacks across the lake. It sailboat tacks across the lake. It zigzags back and forth. It's not this zigzags back and forth. It's not this zigzags back and forth. It's not this linear narrative. It is sometimes it linear narrative. It is sometimes it linear narrative. It is sometimes it maybe even circles, right? But it's maybe even circles, right? But it's maybe even circles, right? But it's moving from one place to another. And so moving from one place to another. And so moving from one place to another. And so it starts with a a just a family. Abram it starts with a a just a family. Abram it starts with a a just a family. Abram is a family, the family of Abraham. And is a family, the family of Abraham. And is a family, the family of Abraham. And he says, God says to Abraham, you are he says, God says to Abraham, you are he says, God says to Abraham, you are going to be special. You are you are going to be special. You are you are going to be special. You are you are especially blessed. You are going to especially blessed. You are going to especially blessed. You are going to have the as many descendants as the have the as many descendants as the have the as many descendants as the stars are in the sky. You are going to

stars are in the sky. You are going to stars are in the sky. You are going to have the land of Canaan. And and you're have the land of Canaan. And and you're have the land of Canaan. And and you're going to have the name by your name going to have the name by your name going to have the name by your name every family of the world will be every family of the world will be every family of the world will be blessed. You are blessed to be a blessed. You are blessed to be a blessed. You are blessed to be a blessing. blessing. blessing. Well, it goes from there to so from a Well, it goes from there to so from a Well, it goes from there to so from a special family to what? A special people special family to what? A special people special family to what? A special people and then it goes from a special people and then it goes from a special people and then it goes from a special people to a special nation, to a special nation, to a special nation, right? And so it's it's moving in that right? And so it's it's moving in that right? And so it's it's moving in that direction. And and then um throughout direction. And and then um throughout direction. And and then um throughout the the journey of the people of Israel, the the journey of the people of Israel, the the journey of the people of Israel, there is this sort of tension. On the there is this sort of tension. On the there is this sort of tension. On the one hand, there's this call to not one hand, there's this call to not one hand, there's this call to not intermingle with any other people. Don't intermingle with any other people. Don't intermingle with any other people. Don't intermar. Don't hang out with those intermar. Don't hang out with those intermar. Don't hang out with those foreigners. Um don't don't connect with foreigners. Um don't don't connect with foreigners. Um don't don't connect with anything that's impure. You got to stay anything that's impure. You got to stay anything that's impure. You got to stay faithful. You got to stay yourself. You faithful. You got to stay yourself. You faithful. You got to stay yourself. You you got to just don't worry about them. you got to just don't worry about them. you got to just don't worry about them. You just worry about yourself. And yet You just worry about yourself. And yet You just worry about yourself. And yet throughout all of it, God keeps putting throughout all of it, God keeps putting throughout all of it, God keeps putting these heroes into the middle of the these heroes into the middle of the these heroes into the middle of the people of Israel who are foreigners, who people of Israel who are foreigners, who people of Israel who are foreigners, who are from outside, who are the outsiders, are from outside, who are the outsiders, are from outside, who are the outsiders, right? And and they're the ones who keep right? And and they're the ones who keep right? And and they're the ones who keep saving the people of Israel as they move saving the people of Israel as they move saving the people of Israel as they move on along. And at the same time, the on along. And at the same time, the on along. And at the same time, the prophets are saying, "You need to stay prophets are saying, "You need to stay prophets are saying, "You need to stay faithful." They're also saying, "But faithful." They're also saying, "But faithful." They're also saying, "But look, God's bigger than you are. God's look, God's bigger than you are. God's look, God's bigger than you are. God's bigger than just your people." uh the bigger than just your people." uh the bigger than just your people." uh the prophet Isaiah um when he gets to the in prophet Isaiah um when he gets to the in prophet Isaiah um when he gets to the in the 19th chapter, listen to what he the 19th chapter, listen to what he the 19th chapter, listen to what he says. He's he's f he's uh uh prophesying says. He's he's f he's uh uh prophesying says. He's he's f he's uh uh prophesying the future. On that day, Israel will be

the future. On that day, Israel will be the future. On that day, Israel will be the third with Egypt and Assyria, a the third with Egypt and Assyria, a the third with Egypt and Assyria, a blessing in the midst of the earth. blessing in the midst of the earth. blessing in the midst of the earth. Blessed be Egypt, my people, and Blessed be Egypt, my people, and Blessed be Egypt, my people, and Assyria, the work of my hands, and Assyria, the work of my hands, and Assyria, the work of my hands, and Israel, my heritage. Israel, my heritage. Israel, my heritage. All of them were part of God's hands. All of them were part of God's hands. All of them were part of God's hands. All of them were part of God's children All of them were part of God's children All of them were part of God's children even at that point. Jump with me to the even at that point. Jump with me to the even at that point. Jump with me to the New Testament and and we get this New Testament and and we get this New Testament and and we get this ongoing controversy in the early church ongoing controversy in the early church ongoing controversy in the early church about whether Gentiles should be about whether Gentiles should be about whether Gentiles should be included into the life of the church. included into the life of the church. included into the life of the church. Should should especially in the Gospel Should should especially in the Gospel Should should especially in the Gospel of Matthew, we we see this this of Matthew, we we see this this of Matthew, we we see this this movement. But then when we get to Acts movement. But then when we get to Acts movement. But then when we get to Acts and we we see this um uh tension, this and we we see this um uh tension, this and we we see this um uh tension, this controversy that develops and ultimately controversy that develops and ultimately controversy that develops and ultimately Paul wins that battle of saying yes, Paul wins that battle of saying yes, Paul wins that battle of saying yes, Gentiles should be included. And he Gentiles should be included. And he Gentiles should be included. And he stands in the Aropagus, this in Athens, stands in the Aropagus, this in Athens, stands in the Aropagus, this in Athens, this in in this um incredibly this in in this um incredibly this in in this um incredibly cosmopolitan city with all different cosmopolitan city with all different cosmopolitan city with all different cultures and people there and he says, cultures and people there and he says, cultures and people there and he says, "We are all God's family."

"We are all God's family." "We are all God's family." What a what a picture of this of this What a what a picture of this of this What a what a picture of this of this movement movement movement that is what I'm saying is the that is what I'm saying is the that is what I'm saying is the trajectory of scripture is toward an a a trajectory of scripture is toward an a a trajectory of scripture is toward an a a an expanding circle. an expanding circle. an expanding circle. Well, let's look at at our uh um well, Well, let's look at at our uh um well, Well, let's look at at our uh um well, let me let me back up. let me let me back up. let me let me back up. I was uh doing some research for this I was uh doing some research for this I was uh doing some research for this sermon and I'd already identified the sermon and I'd already identified the sermon and I'd already identified the title as an expanding circle. So, I type title as an expanding circle. So, I type title as an expanding circle. So, I type into Google An expanding circle and sure into Google An expanding circle and sure into Google An expanding circle and sure enough, there's a book that comes up enough, there's a book that comes up enough, there's a book that comes up called an expanding circle. And it's by called an expanding circle. And it's by called an expanding circle. And it's by a um a philosopher in 1981, Peter a um a philosopher in 1981, Peter a um a philosopher in 1981, Peter Singer, who Singer, who Singer, who his premise is he's a philosopher and his premise is he's a philosopher and his premise is he's a philosopher and anthropologist. And his premise is that anthropologist. And his premise is that anthropologist. And his premise is that this this uh expansion of what um he this this uh expansion of what um he this this uh expansion of what um he calls moral concern is the growth of calls moral concern is the growth of calls moral concern is the growth of human history. that at the t that early human history. that at the t that early human history. that at the t that early in uh the history of humanity, people in uh the history of humanity, people in uh the history of humanity, people were concerned only about their own were concerned only about their own were concerned only about their own family. I'm just concerned about our my family. I'm just concerned about our my family. I'm just concerned about our my own family. But as as humanity evolves, own family. But as as humanity evolves, own family. But as as humanity evolves, it begins to expand. And he's now we're it begins to expand. And he's now we're it begins to expand. And he's now we're not just concerned about my own family, not just concerned about my own family, not just concerned about my own family, but my my own family and my my tribe.

but my my own family and my my tribe. but my my own family and my my tribe. And then we go from my family and my And then we go from my family and my And then we go from my family and my tribe to my family tribe and and really tribe to my family tribe and and really tribe to my family tribe and and really my whole community. I'm I'm really my whole community. I'm I'm really my whole community. I'm I'm really concerned about my community. And then concerned about my community. And then concerned about my community. And then it's my family, my tribe, my community, it's my family, my tribe, my community, it's my family, my tribe, my community, and my nation. And then ultimately, it's and my nation. And then ultimately, it's and my nation. And then ultimately, it's a concern for all humanity. This a concern for all humanity. This a concern for all humanity. This expansion of God of of moral concern as expansion of God of of moral concern as expansion of God of of moral concern as we grow and evolve and develop we grow and evolve and develop we grow and evolve and develop to to not just be worried about me, but to to not just be worried about me, but to to not just be worried about me, but to be worried about others as well. to be worried about others as well. to be worried about others as well. I couldn't help but thinking on this um I couldn't help but thinking on this um I couldn't help but thinking on this um Independence Day weekend about how we Independence Day weekend about how we Independence Day weekend about how we think of ourselves as Americans and what think of ourselves as Americans and what think of ourselves as Americans and what does that mean for us to yes believe I does that mean for us to yes believe I does that mean for us to yes believe I am especially blessed. What an am especially blessed. What an am especially blessed. What an incredible country we live in and yet at incredible country we live in and yet at incredible country we live in and yet at the same time realize that it's not just the same time realize that it's not just the same time realize that it's not just about us. about us. about us. I I a newspaper article pointed me to a I I a newspaper article pointed me to a I I a newspaper article pointed me to a uh speech that was given in 1944 uh speech that was given in 1944 uh speech that was given in 1944 by a um associate justice of the uh by a um associate justice of the uh by a um associate justice of the uh second circuit uh second appeals court.

second circuit uh second appeals court. second circuit uh second appeals court. um his name was learned hand and it's um his name was learned hand and it's um his name was learned hand and it's 1944 the world the second world war is 1944 the world the second world war is 1944 the world the second world war is going on and he's gives a speech on I am going on and he's gives a speech on I am going on and he's gives a speech on I am an American day and it's called the an American day and it's called the an American day and it's called the spirit of liberty and it's three and a spirit of liberty and it's three and a spirit of liberty and it's three and a half minutes long which pastors like me half minutes long which pastors like me half minutes long which pastors like me need to take note of that uh it that it need to take note of that uh it that it need to take note of that uh it that it was well uh wellreceived here's here's was well uh wellreceived here's here's was well uh wellreceived here's here's part of it and what is he he starts by part of it and what is he he starts by part of it and what is he he starts by saying that real liberty is not built saying that real liberty is not built saying that real liberty is not built into a document like the constitution into a document like the constitution into a document like the constitution ution or the Declaration of ution or the Declaration of ution or the Declaration of Independence, but it's built into the Independence, but it's built into the Independence, but it's built into the hearts of the people of the land. And he hearts of the people of the land. And he hearts of the people of the land. And he says, what is the what is the spirit of says, what is the what is the spirit of says, what is the what is the spirit of liberty which must lie in the hearts of liberty which must lie in the hearts of liberty which must lie in the hearts of men and women? It it is not the men and women? It it is not the men and women? It it is not the ruthless, the unbridled will. It is not ruthless, the unbridled will. It is not ruthless, the unbridled will. It is not freedom to do as one likes. I cannot freedom to do as one likes. I cannot freedom to do as one likes. I cannot define it. I can only tell you my own define it. I can only tell you my own define it. I can only tell you my own faith. The spirit of liberty is the faith. The spirit of liberty is the faith. The spirit of liberty is the spirit which is not too sure that it is spirit which is not too sure that it is spirit which is not too sure that it is right. The spirit of liberty is the right. The spirit of liberty is the right. The spirit of liberty is the spirit which seeks to understand the spirit which seeks to understand the spirit which seeks to understand the mind of other men and women. The spirit mind of other men and women. The spirit mind of other men and women. The spirit of liberty is the spirit which weighs of liberty is the spirit which weighs of liberty is the spirit which weighs their interest alongside its own without their interest alongside its own without their interest alongside its own without bias.

bias. bias. The spirit of liberty remembers that not The spirit of liberty remembers that not The spirit of liberty remembers that not even a sparrow falls to earth unheeded. even a sparrow falls to earth unheeded. even a sparrow falls to earth unheeded. The spirit of liberty is the spirit of The spirit of liberty is the spirit of The spirit of liberty is the spirit of him who near 2,000 years ago taught him who near 2,000 years ago taught him who near 2,000 years ago taught mankind that lesson it has never learned mankind that lesson it has never learned mankind that lesson it has never learned but never quite forgotten. but never quite forgotten. but never quite forgotten. That there may be a kingdom where the That there may be a kingdom where the That there may be a kingdom where the least shall be heard and considered side least shall be heard and considered side least shall be heard and considered side by side with the greatest. I love that by side with the greatest. I love that by side with the greatest. I love that that phrase um never learned but never that phrase um never learned but never that phrase um never learned but never quite forgotten. This this realization quite forgotten. This this realization quite forgotten. This this realization that it's not just about us. I I will that it's not just about us. I I will that it's not just about us. I I will tell you I'll be honest. I do believe in tell you I'll be honest. I do believe in tell you I'll be honest. I do believe in American exceptionalism. I I I believe American exceptionalism. I I I believe American exceptionalism. I I I believe we are an exceptional uh nation. But we are an exceptional uh nation. But we are an exceptional uh nation. But what what makes us exceptional is that what what makes us exceptional is that what what makes us exceptional is that we do understand our role in the world we do understand our role in the world we do understand our role in the world that it is not just about us, what's that it is not just about us, what's that it is not just about us, what's best for us. That's my perspective. So best for us. That's my perspective. So best for us. That's my perspective. So if if you look at this picture of of the if if you look at this picture of of the if if you look at this picture of of the biblical the trajectory of the Bible as biblical the trajectory of the Bible as biblical the trajectory of the Bible as moving from from being this small moving from from being this small moving from from being this small blessed group to to God's arms out and blessed group to to God's arms out and blessed group to to God's arms out and around everyone. Uh let's look at our around everyone. Uh let's look at our around everyone. Uh let's look at our scripture for today. Uh take your scripture for today. Uh take your scripture for today. Uh take your bulletin and you can look at the map on bulletin and you can look at the map on bulletin and you can look at the map on the back. I want you to see and the back. I want you to see and the back. I want you to see and understand this. Um there are are three understand this. Um there are are three understand this. Um there are are three places that are circled. Up in your top places that are circled. Up in your top places that are circled. Up in your top left hand corner you see Phoenicia left hand corner you see Phoenicia left hand corner you see Phoenicia circled. This is where today's scripture circled. This is where today's scripture circled. This is where today's scripture happens. This is Ty and Siden. What is happens. This is Ty and Siden. What is happens. This is Ty and Siden. What is modern-day Lebanon? Ty and Siden are modern-day Lebanon? Ty and Siden are modern-day Lebanon? Ty and Siden are still uh uh particularly Ty still a

still uh uh particularly Ty still a still uh uh particularly Ty still a thriving city in Lebanon. Um and it was thriving city in Lebanon. Um and it was thriving city in Lebanon. Um and it was Canaanite territory. These were Canaanite territory. These were Canaanite territory. These were Canaanites. These were people who had Canaanites. These were people who had Canaanites. These were people who had lived in Canaan and this whole lived in Canaan and this whole lived in Canaan and this whole surrounding area for generations and surrounding area for generations and surrounding area for generations and generations and generations. generations and generations. generations and generations. So if you look to your right, you see an So if you look to your right, you see an So if you look to your right, you see an area called the Decapillus. area called the Decapillus. area called the Decapillus. So after today's scripture where he goes So after today's scripture where he goes So after today's scripture where he goes into ty and siden he goes to the into ty and siden he goes to the into ty and siden he goes to the dicapus. The dicapus was 10 Roman dicapus. The dicapus was 10 Roman dicapus. The dicapus was 10 Roman cities. These are indep cities of cities. These are indep cities of cities. These are indep cities of independent rule. In other words there independent rule. In other words there independent rule. In other words there they um they rule themselves. They have they um they rule themselves. They have they um they rule themselves. They have their own leaders rules their own laws their own leaders rules their own laws their own leaders rules their own laws and um but they're Roman Greek and Roman and um but they're Roman Greek and Roman and um but they're Roman Greek and Roman primarily. So these are not Canaanites. primarily. So these are not Canaanites. primarily. So these are not Canaanites. These are are um people of the of the These are are um people of the of the These are are um people of the of the Roman Empire. And then you see Samaria. Roman Empire. And then you see Samaria. Roman Empire. And then you see Samaria. Now Samaria is um Now Samaria is um Now Samaria is um the Samaritans were people who had been the Samaritans were people who had been the Samaritans were people who had been who had uh broken off from Israel.

who had uh broken off from Israel. who had uh broken off from Israel. They're really kind of descendants from They're really kind of descendants from They're really kind of descendants from the northern kingdom of Israel. They had the northern kingdom of Israel. They had the northern kingdom of Israel. They had broken off from Judaism and started they broken off from Judaism and started they broken off from Judaism and started they believed that um that the temple should believed that um that the temple should believed that um that the temple should be on Mount Garazm rather than in be on Mount Garazm rather than in be on Mount Garazm rather than in Jerusalem. And so they were viewed as Jerusalem. And so they were viewed as Jerusalem. And so they were viewed as heretics. They were they were the worst heretics. They were they were the worst heretics. They were they were the worst of the worst. You didn't hang out with of the worst. You didn't hang out with of the worst. You didn't hang out with Samaritans. They were they were uh Samaritans. They were they were uh Samaritans. They were they were uh turncoats, traitors, um heretics. And turncoats, traitors, um heretics. And turncoats, traitors, um heretics. And so, but Jesus on his way to Jerusalem so, but Jesus on his way to Jerusalem so, but Jesus on his way to Jerusalem later on in the it's really only in the later on in the it's really only in the later on in the it's really only in the Gospel of John, he is headed to Gospel of John, he is headed to Gospel of John, he is headed to Jerusalem for a festival and rather than Jerusalem for a festival and rather than Jerusalem for a festival and rather than going around Samaria where usually going around Samaria where usually going around Samaria where usually people did, he went through Samaria and people did, he went through Samaria and people did, he went through Samaria and it's there that he has the conversation it's there that he has the conversation it's there that he has the conversation with a Samaritan woman at the well and with a Samaritan woman at the well and with a Samaritan woman at the well and um and uh affirms her and says, "Go and um and uh affirms her and says, "Go and um and uh affirms her and says, "Go and sin no more." Right? So it is this um sin no more." Right? So it is this um sin no more." Right? So it is this um what I want to talk about is why Jesus what I want to talk about is why Jesus what I want to talk about is why Jesus went into these places went into these places went into these places where other these non-Jewish areas.

where other these non-Jewish areas. where other these non-Jewish areas. Here's here's what I want you to Here's here's what I want you to Here's here's what I want you to understand. He didn't go into these understand. He didn't go into these understand. He didn't go into these areas in order to convert the people who areas in order to convert the people who areas in order to convert the people who were there or to reach them with the were there or to reach them with the were there or to reach them with the good news. He did not go into Ty and good news. He did not go into Ty and good news. He did not go into Ty and Siden or into the decapus to share the Siden or into the decapus to share the Siden or into the decapus to share the good news with the people who lived good news with the people who lived good news with the people who lived there. there. there. He went only to find the lost sheep of He went only to find the lost sheep of He went only to find the lost sheep of the house of Israel. That's where he was the house of Israel. That's where he was the house of Israel. That's where he was looking. So, this is expanding the looking. So, this is expanding the looking. So, this is expanding the circle. This is saying, "I'm going to circle. This is saying, "I'm going to circle. This is saying, "I'm going to leave the 99 and go look for the one. leave the 99 and go look for the one. leave the 99 and go look for the one. I'm gonna find the Jewish person who's I'm gonna find the Jewish person who's I'm gonna find the Jewish person who's either turned away from the faith, who either turned away from the faith, who either turned away from the faith, who has been um might have been kicked out has been um might have been kicked out has been um might have been kicked out of Israel or had to immigrate from of Israel or had to immigrate from of Israel or had to immigrate from Israel as part of the diaspora. He um uh Israel as part of the diaspora. He um uh Israel as part of the diaspora. He um uh might have been someone who had a might have been someone who had a might have been someone who had a foreign wife or husband. These are foreign wife or husband. These are foreign wife or husband. These are people who would he's he's trying to people who would he's he's trying to people who would he's he's trying to draw them back into the circle. So, he's draw them back into the circle. So, he's draw them back into the circle. So, he's expanding the circle in the sense of expanding the circle in the sense of expanding the circle in the sense of leaving the 99 to go look for the one.

leaving the 99 to go look for the one. leaving the 99 to go look for the one. But he's not going to try and convert But he's not going to try and convert But he's not going to try and convert the Canaanites. And so as he's in Ty and the Canaanites. And so as he's in Ty and the Canaanites. And so as he's in Ty and Siden looking for the lost sheep of Siden looking for the lost sheep of Siden looking for the lost sheep of Israel, this Canaanite woman comes to Israel, this Canaanite woman comes to Israel, this Canaanite woman comes to him and says, "Have mercy on me, oh son him and says, "Have mercy on me, oh son him and says, "Have mercy on me, oh son of David. My daughter has a demon. You of David. My daughter has a demon. You of David. My daughter has a demon. You can understand that to be mental health can understand that to be mental health can understand that to be mental health uh um mental illness or you can uh um mental illness or you can uh um mental illness or you can understand that to be actual demonic understand that to be actual demonic understand that to be actual demonic possession, but for whatever reason, possession, but for whatever reason, possession, but for whatever reason, she's she is having this this struggle." she's she is having this this struggle." she's she is having this this struggle." And here's what Jesus does. He ignores And here's what Jesus does. He ignores And here's what Jesus does. He ignores her. her. her. He ignores her. What kind of Jesus is He ignores her. What kind of Jesus is He ignores her. What kind of Jesus is that? It's not the Jesus I grew up that? It's not the Jesus I grew up that? It's not the Jesus I grew up knowing. knowing. knowing. He ignores her. And the disciples say, He ignores her. And the disciples say, He ignores her. And the disciples say, "Get her out of here, "Get her out of here, "Get her out of here, but she won't have it." but she won't have it." but she won't have it." And and he as she challenges him more, And and he as she challenges him more, And and he as she challenges him more, then he looks at her and says, "What? then he looks at her and says, "What? then he looks at her and says, "What? You want me to throw bread to the dogs?" You want me to throw bread to the dogs?" You want me to throw bread to the dogs?" He calls her a dog. Oh my goodness.

Oh my goodness. What? What? What? Now, there are some scholars who said he Now, there are some scholars who said he Now, there are some scholars who said he was being sarcastic or he's trying to was being sarcastic or he's trying to was being sarcastic or he's trying to teach the disciples something, trying to teach the disciples something, trying to teach the disciples something, trying to echo their views so that they see who echo their views so that they see who echo their views so that they see who they really are and what he's saying. I, they really are and what he's saying. I, they really are and what he's saying. I, you know, I don't think that's the case. you know, I don't think that's the case. you know, I don't think that's the case. I think in that moment, he still I think in that moment, he still I think in that moment, he still understands his role is just to bring in understands his role is just to bring in understands his role is just to bring in those who are of the lost sheep of the those who are of the lost sheep of the those who are of the lost sheep of the house of Israel. But then he has this house of Israel. But then he has this house of Israel. But then he has this encounter with this woman and he looks encounter with this woman and he looks encounter with this woman and he looks into her eyes and he sees her faith. into her eyes and he sees her faith. into her eyes and he sees her faith. I call this his Grinch moment. You know I call this his Grinch moment. You know I call this his Grinch moment. You know when in the movie The Grinch where the when in the movie The Grinch where the when in the movie The Grinch where the Grinch's his heart grows his heart grew Grinch's his heart grows his heart grew Grinch's his heart grows his heart grew three sizes that day. It's uh it's like three sizes that day. It's uh it's like three sizes that day. It's uh it's like all of a sudden something clicks inside all of a sudden something clicks inside all of a sudden something clicks inside him and he's like I just call this I I him and he's like I just call this I I him and he's like I just call this I I sometimes think if he says did I just sometimes think if he says did I just sometimes think if he says did I just hear what I said? I called this woman a hear what I said? I called this woman a hear what I said? I called this woman a dog. dog. dog. And all of a sudden, he said, "Your And all of a sudden, he said, "Your And all of a sudden, he said, "Your faith has done this." faith has done this." faith has done this." He sees her as this human being in need.

He sees her as this human being in need. He sees her as this human being in need. I think it's just powerful to imagine I think it's just powerful to imagine I think it's just powerful to imagine this realization that as Jesus began his this realization that as Jesus began his this realization that as Jesus began his ministry for three years, he didn't ministry for three years, he didn't ministry for three years, he didn't really know where it was headed. He was really know where it was headed. He was really know where it was headed. He was following God, discerning God's uh voice following God, discerning God's uh voice following God, discerning God's uh voice in his heart and in his mind. And as he in his heart and in his mind. And as he in his heart and in his mind. And as he grows, and here's where here's where the grows, and here's where here's where the grows, and here's where here's where the Gospel of Matthew ends up Gospel of Matthew ends up Gospel of Matthew ends up after the resurrection, go therefore and after the resurrection, go therefore and after the resurrection, go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing make disciples of all nations, baptizing make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the them in the name of the Father and the them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded to obey everything that I have commanded to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always you. And remember, I am with you always you. And remember, I am with you always to the end of the age. this expanding to the end of the age. this expanding to the end of the age. this expanding circle continuing to to reach out. We I circle continuing to to reach out. We I circle continuing to to reach out. We I want everybody I want everybody. So, what does this have to do with you So, what does this have to do with you and me? I believe we have we can have and me? I believe we have we can have and me? I believe we have we can have our own moments where we we realize how our own moments where we we realize how our own moments where we we realize how we see other people based on categories we see other people based on categories we see other people based on categories they're a part of. We see them based on they're a part of. We see them based on they're a part of. We see them based on on their uh their politics or their on their uh their politics or their on their uh their politics or their nationality or their skin color or their nationality or their skin color or their nationality or their skin color or their um their economic level or how they um their economic level or how they um their economic level or how they dress, whether their pants hang down dress, whether their pants hang down dress, whether their pants hang down around and let their underwear hang out around and let their underwear hang out around and let their underwear hang out or whether they're covered with tattoos or whether they're covered with tattoos or whether they're covered with tattoos or or you know, you make a list whether or or you know, you make a list whether or or you know, you make a list whether they wear a red hat or a blue tie, they wear a red hat or a blue tie, they wear a red hat or a blue tie, whether uh I mean, you make you make a whether uh I mean, you make you make a whether uh I mean, you make you make a list of the things that make you list of the things that make you list of the things that make you categorize someone into a certain

categorize someone into a certain categorize someone into a certain certain category and immediately come to certain category and immediately come to certain category and immediately come to some judgment about who they are and some judgment about who they are and some judgment about who they are and what they must think and what their life what they must think and what their life what they must think and what their life must be like must be like must be like and and we that's what we do and and we that's what we do and and we that's what we do and then we can have these moments where and then we can have these moments where and then we can have these moments where all of a sudden we see our own biases all of a sudden we see our own biases all of a sudden we see our own biases because we have a human contact with because we have a human contact with because we have a human contact with someone like Jesus did. someone like Jesus did. someone like Jesus did. Let me give you some examples. Uh I have Let me give you some examples. Uh I have Let me give you some examples. Uh I have a colleague who um said that he just a colleague who um said that he just a colleague who um said that he just does not understand alcoholism. does not understand alcoholism. does not understand alcoholism. He said, 'I just don't understand it. I He said, 'I just don't understand it. I He said, 'I just don't understand it. I mean, just don't drink. I mean, you have mean, just don't drink. I mean, you have mean, just don't drink. I mean, you have agency. You have will. You get to decide agency. You have will. You get to decide agency. You have will. You get to decide what you're going to do, what you're what you're going to do, what you're what you're going to do, what you're going to put into your body, what you're going to put into your body, what you're going to put into your body, what you're going to put into your into your mouth. going to put into your into your mouth. going to put into your into your mouth. Just just don't do it. He always viewed Just just don't do it. He always viewed Just just don't do it. He always viewed al alcoholics as those who just didn't al alcoholics as those who just didn't al alcoholics as those who just didn't have a strong enough willpower. And then have a strong enough willpower. And then have a strong enough willpower. And then his daughter became an alcoholic his daughter became an alcoholic his daughter became an alcoholic and he began to visit with her about her and he began to visit with her about her and he began to visit with her about her journey and her struggle and how journey and her struggle and how journey and her struggle and how difficult it was difficult it was difficult it was and and how it just felt like she was and and how it just felt like she was and and how it just felt like she was overwhelmed.

overwhelmed. overwhelmed. And he began to understand it And he began to understand it And he began to understand it differently differently differently and he had that sense of compassion and he had that sense of compassion and he had that sense of compassion knowing that he couldn't completely knowing that he couldn't completely knowing that he couldn't completely understand her but but his he suspended understand her but but his he suspended understand her but but his he suspended his judgment. his judgment. his judgment. Let me give you another example. Um Bob Let me give you another example. Um Bob Let me give you another example. Um Bob Miller is a member of our congregation Miller is a member of our congregation Miller is a member of our congregation and he is um involved in an organization and he is um involved in an organization and he is um involved in an organization called Jubilee Prison Ministry. We have called Jubilee Prison Ministry. We have called Jubilee Prison Ministry. We have a number of folks in our church who are a number of folks in our church who are a number of folks in our church who are involved in Jubilee Ministry. They go involved in Jubilee Ministry. They go involved in Jubilee Ministry. They go into the uh into prisons um and they uh into the uh into prisons um and they uh into the uh into prisons um and they uh share the gospel with those who are share the gospel with those who are share the gospel with those who are incarcerated and they build incarcerated and they build incarcerated and they build relationships with them and they talk to relationships with them and they talk to relationships with them and they talk to them about what they're going to do when them about what they're going to do when them about what they're going to do when they get out and they uh they just have they get out and they uh they just have they get out and they uh they just have these relationships. Well, um, uh, uh, these relationships. Well, um, uh, uh, these relationships. Well, um, uh, uh, Bob goes into Jubilee Prison Ministry Bob goes into Jubilee Prison Ministry Bob goes into Jubilee Prison Ministry and he's assigned to a guy named Jerry. and he's assigned to a guy named Jerry. and he's assigned to a guy named Jerry. Jerry is a convicted sex offender. And Jerry is a convicted sex offender. And Jerry is a convicted sex offender. And he said, I when I heard that, he said, I he said, I when I heard that, he said, I he said, I when I heard that, he said, I put him in this category of how he was put him in this category of how he was put him in this category of how he was and what he'd done and just it just and what he'd done and just it just and what he'd done and just it just changed something inside him. And then changed something inside him. And then changed something inside him. And then he got to know Jerry he got to know Jerry he got to know Jerry and he saw the decisions he'd made, not and he saw the decisions he'd made, not and he saw the decisions he'd made, not all good ones. and he saw the hurt that all good ones. and he saw the hurt that all good ones. and he saw the hurt that he'd caused others, he'd caused others, he'd caused others, but he also saw Jerry's journey and but he also saw Jerry's journey and but he also saw Jerry's journey and Jerry's heart and Jerry's repentance and Jerry's heart and Jerry's repentance and Jerry's heart and Jerry's repentance and Jerry what what had led to that and what Jerry what what had led to that and what Jerry what what had led to that and what had actually happened and all of those had actually happened and all of those had actually happened and all of those things that went along with it. Now he's things that went along with it. Now he's things that went along with it. Now he's not just in the category of convicted not just in the category of convicted not just in the category of convicted sex offender. He's a human being sex offender. He's a human being sex offender. He's a human being and he has a whole different view of

and he has a whole different view of and he has a whole different view of him. him. him. Judy Marshawn was in my former church Judy Marshawn was in my former church Judy Marshawn was in my former church and she uh in Sugarland and she worked and she uh in Sugarland and she worked and she uh in Sugarland and she worked with u uh uh child advocates. Uh child with u uh uh child advocates. Uh child with u uh uh child advocates. Uh child advocates works with people who have um advocates works with people who have um advocates works with people who have um children who have been removed from children who have been removed from children who have been removed from their home into foster care and um uh their home into foster care and um uh their home into foster care and um uh advocates for them with the court advocates for them with the court advocates for them with the court systems about what they think would be systems about what they think would be systems about what they think would be the best place for them. And she said as the best place for them. And she said as the best place for them. And she said as as she started she was like she just as she started she was like she just as she started she was like she just could not understand any child neglect could not understand any child neglect could not understand any child neglect or child abuse. She just couldn't or child abuse. She just couldn't or child abuse. She just couldn't understand how anyone could possibly do understand how anyone could possibly do understand how anyone could possibly do that. It's just she just thought that that. It's just she just thought that that. It's just she just thought that was the most horrible thing. And she was the most horrible thing. And she was the most horrible thing. And she thought her job was to rescue these thought her job was to rescue these thought her job was to rescue these children from that. But what as she children from that. But what as she children from that. But what as she started into it, she realized that she started into it, she realized that she started into it, she realized that she ended up having to work with the ended up having to work with the ended up having to work with the families who had lost their parental families who had lost their parental families who had lost their parental rights at that time because they were rights at that time because they were rights at that time because they were often trying to reunite them. And as she often trying to reunite them. And as she often trying to reunite them. And as she began to work with the family, she began to work with the family, she began to work with the family, she realized how many of them just had never realized how many of them just had never realized how many of them just had never uh really had had never experienced uh really had had never experienced uh really had had never experienced anything other than this anything other than this anything other than this this terrible way of parenting that this terrible way of parenting that this terrible way of parenting that they'd grown up in it. That that was they'd grown up in it. That that was they'd grown up in it. That that was that was their life. That was all they that was their life. That was all they that was their life. That was all they knew. And they just didn't really know knew. And they just didn't really know knew. And they just didn't really know any better.

any better. any better. and and all of a sudden not that she and and all of a sudden not that she and and all of a sudden not that she excused their behavior but she excused their behavior but she excused their behavior but she understood them in an altogether understood them in an altogether understood them in an altogether different way as human beings different way as human beings different way as human beings and her judgment her view of them and her judgment her view of them and her judgment her view of them changed. changed. changed. Ah, we can so many times we just put Ah, we can so many times we just put Ah, we can so many times we just put people in these categories based on people in these categories based on people in these categories based on things. And the truth is we've got to things. And the truth is we've got to things. And the truth is we've got to remember that um that these are a part remember that um that these are a part remember that um that these are a part these are God's children and they're these are God's children and they're these are God's children and they're human beings, individual human beings. human beings, individual human beings. human beings, individual human beings. All right. I don't uh remember um the All right. I don't uh remember um the All right. I don't uh remember um the first time I heard the story. It's been first time I heard the story. It's been first time I heard the story. It's been a long time. It's a famous preacher a long time. It's a famous preacher a long time. It's a famous preacher story. Uh but the first I did some story. Uh but the first I did some story. Uh but the first I did some research to find out where it first research to find out where it first research to find out where it first started. And the first the earliest I started. And the first the earliest I started. And the first the earliest I can come up with is William Barkley who can come up with is William Barkley who can come up with is William Barkley who was a famous um Bible teacher and and was a famous um Bible teacher and and was a famous um Bible teacher and and scholar. And the story is of during the scholar. And the story is of during the scholar. And the story is of during the Second World War while fighting in Second World War while fighting in Second World War while fighting in Italy, a group of soldiers lost one of Italy, a group of soldiers lost one of Italy, a group of soldiers lost one of their men and they wanted to bury him.

their men and they wanted to bury him. their men and they wanted to bury him. And so they they there was a little And so they they there was a little And so they they there was a little Catholic um church there with a cemetery Catholic um church there with a cemetery Catholic um church there with a cemetery and they went to the priest and asked if and they went to the priest and asked if and they went to the priest and asked if they could bury their friend in the they could bury their friend in the they could bury their friend in the Catholic cemetery. And the priest said, Catholic cemetery. And the priest said, Catholic cemetery. And the priest said, "Well, was your friend Catholic?" And "Well, was your friend Catholic?" And "Well, was your friend Catholic?" And they said, "No, he was not Catholic." they said, "No, he was not Catholic." they said, "No, he was not Catholic." And the priest said, "I'm so very sorry. And the priest said, "I'm so very sorry. And the priest said, "I'm so very sorry. You can't bury him. This is a Catholic You can't bury him. This is a Catholic You can't bury him. This is a Catholic cemetery. You have to be Catholic to be cemetery. You have to be Catholic to be cemetery. You have to be Catholic to be buried here." And so they just buried buried here." And so they just buried buried here." And so they just buried him right outside the cemetery, right him right outside the cemetery, right him right outside the cemetery, right outside the fence of the cemetery. outside the fence of the cemetery. outside the fence of the cemetery. Um, the war ended, years went by, they Um, the war ended, years went by, they Um, the war ended, years went by, they went back, they got together again at went back, they got together again at went back, they got together again at one point and went back uh to Italy to one point and went back uh to Italy to one point and went back uh to Italy to sort of see where they had been and sort of see where they had been and sort of see where they had been and where what they'd been through. And they where what they'd been through. And they where what they'd been through. And they went back to see the grave of their went back to see the grave of their went back to see the grave of their friend who um was there. And they were friend who um was there. And they were friend who um was there. And they were out, they went to the little Catholic out, they went to the little Catholic out, they went to the little Catholic church and they're looking around for church and they're looking around for church and they're looking around for the grave and they can't find it the grave and they can't find it the grave and they can't find it anywhere. And so they go to the priest, anywhere. And so they go to the priest, anywhere. And so they go to the priest, same priest is still there, and say, same priest is still there, and say, same priest is still there, and say, "Um, we're we're trying to find the "Um, we're we're trying to find the "Um, we're we're trying to find the grave of my friend. Do you know where it grave of my friend. Do you know where it grave of my friend. Do you know where it is. And he said, "Sure, I'll take it to is. And he said, "Sure, I'll take it to is. And he said, "Sure, I'll take it to you. Take you to it." And he took them you. Take you to it." And he took them you. Take you to it." And he took them to a grave right there in the middle to a grave right there in the middle to a grave right there in the middle right in inside the the cemetery.

right in inside the the cemetery. right in inside the the cemetery. And they they said, "Wow, I don't And they they said, "Wow, I don't And they they said, "Wow, I don't understand. You told us he couldn't be understand. You told us he couldn't be understand. You told us he couldn't be buried in the cemetery. Did you dig him buried in the cemetery. Did you dig him buried in the cemetery. Did you dig him up and move him in here?" up and move him in here?" up and move him in here?" And he said, "No, I struggled with it And he said, "No, I struggled with it And he said, "No, I struggled with it throughout the night." And the next throughout the night." And the next throughout the night." And the next morning, I got up and I moved the fence. morning, I got up and I moved the fence. morning, I got up and I moved the fence. I moved the fence. I moved the fence. I moved the fence. I think that's the power I think that's the power I think that's the power God wants us to move the fence God wants us to move the fence God wants us to move the fence to. His his arms are wanting to out and to. His his arms are wanting to out and to. His his arms are wanting to out and reach out for everyone. reach out for everyone. reach out for everyone. In in second John, In in second John, In in second John, we hear these words, we hear these words, we hear these words, Jesus is the atoning sacrifice for our Jesus is the atoning sacrifice for our Jesus is the atoning sacrifice for our sins and not for ours only, but also for sins and not for ours only, but also for sins and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. the sins of the whole world. the sins of the whole world. There's a wonderful little poem that uh There's a wonderful little poem that uh There's a wonderful little poem that uh is one of my favorites. It's so short. is one of my favorites. It's so short. is one of my favorites. It's so short. It's only four verses long by Edwin It's only four verses long by Edwin It's only four verses long by Edwin Markham. Maybe you've heard it. It's Markham. Maybe you've heard it. It's Markham. Maybe you've heard it. It's called Outwitted. called Outwitted. called Outwitted. He drew a circle that shut me out.

He drew a circle that shut me out. He drew a circle that shut me out. Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout, but Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout, but Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout, but love and I had the wit to win. We drew a love and I had the wit to win. We drew a love and I had the wit to win. We drew a circle that took him in. circle that took him in. circle that took him in. Let's pray. Let's pray. Let's pray. Gracious God, we confess that sometimes Gracious God, we confess that sometimes Gracious God, we confess that sometimes we we have a an inner circle we we have a an inner circle we we have a an inner circle and we know that you want us to open and we know that you want us to open and we know that you want us to open that circle up to bring in all of your that circle up to bring in all of your that circle up to bring in all of your children. children. children. Help us to see people as human beings Help us to see people as human beings Help us to see people as human beings to connect with them and and understand to connect with them and and understand to connect with them and and understand that they belong to you that they belong to you that they belong to you and that they're part of your kingdom as and that they're part of your kingdom as and that they're part of your kingdom as well. well. well. We pray in the name of Christ. Amen.