Sermon: Warning About Ritualism

Warning About Ritualism Matthew 9:9-13 September 14, 2025 Pastor Tony Felich ----more----

Matthew 9:9 As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him. [10] And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. [11] And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” [12] But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. [13] Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Hosea 6:6 For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.

Humility about our sin and need for Christ guards against falling into the trap of self-righteous ritualism.

1. Sick & Needy vs Proud & Self Righteous (9-11)
2. Why did Jesus come? (12)
3. A Warning About Ritualism (13 and Hosea 6:6)