Embracing Jesus' Mercy: The Power of Confession
Summary
### Summary
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we began by acknowledging our sins and seeking God's mercy. This reflection led to a profound realization: Jesus is uniquely drawn to our sinfulness, not because we are good, but because He desires to save us from our fallen state. Our sins, which originate from within us, can corrupt our lives and relationships if left unchecked. However, Jesus offers us a way out through the sacrament of confession.
Confession is not just a ritual but a profound encounter with God's mercy. Many avoid it due to presumption or the belief that they are too sinful to be forgiven. Yet, Jesus' mercy is boundless, and no sin is too great for Him to forgive. The sacrament of confession allows us to unburden our souls and receive the healing we desperately need.
We often put on facades, pretending everything is fine, while internally we are rotting due to sin. This spiritual decay can only be healed by Jesus, who is attracted to our sin like a magnet and pulls it from us when we allow Him to get close. The sacrament of confession is a gift from Jesus through the Church, meant to free us from the chains of sin and restore our relationships and our view of the world.
We are reminded that Jesus' mercy is an ocean, and our collective sins are but a drop in it. This vast mercy is available to all who seek it, regardless of how long it has been since their last confession. The call to confession is urgent; it is an invitation to experience the freedom and joy that comes from encountering God's mercy.
### Key Takeaways
1. Jesus is Attracted to Our Sinfulness: Jesus is drawn to us not because of our goodness but because of our sinfulness. He desires to save us from our fallen state and offers us His mercy. This realization should humble us and make us more aware of our need for His grace. [21:35]
2. The Facade of Righteousness: We often pretend everything is fine while internally we are decaying due to sin. This facade can only be removed by acknowledging our sins and seeking Jesus' healing through confession. True healing begins when we stop pretending and start confessing. [23:55]
3. The Urgency of Confession: Sin is like spiritual constipation; it will kill us if not addressed. The sacrament of confession is a gift from Jesus to free us from the chains of sin. Delaying confession only prolongs our suffering and hinders our spiritual growth. [24:30]
4. Boundless Mercy of Jesus: No sin is too great for Jesus' mercy. Our collective sins are but a drop in the ocean of His mercy. This vast mercy is available to all who seek it, and it is a lie from hell to believe that we are too sinful to be forgiven. [30:04]
5. The Joy of Forgiveness: Encountering Jesus' mercy in confession brings profound joy and freedom. This joy is a testament to the transformative power of God's grace, which lifts the burden of sin and fills us with His love. [32:56]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[09:21] - Acknowledging Our Sins
[21:12] - Revelation of Jesus' Attraction to Sin
[21:35] - Jesus is Attracted to Our Sinfulness
[22:19] - The Need for Jesus' Sacrifice
[23:02] - Sin Originates from Within
[23:55] - The Facade of Righteousness
[24:30] - Sin as Spiritual Constipation
[25:06] - The Impact of Sin on Relationships
[26:09] - The Gift of Confession
[27:15] - The Fallacy of Self-Righteousness
[28:14] - Desperation for a Savior
[29:03] - The Lie of Unforgivable Sin
[30:04] - Boundless Mercy of Jesus
[32:56] - The Joy of Forgiveness
[33:42] - Prayer for Forgiveness
[34:56] - Overcoming Hurt from the Church
[37:53] - Final Prayers and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Mark 7:21-23: "For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and defile a person."
2. John 20:23: "If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven."
3. Luke 15:20-24: "So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Mark 7:21-23, where do evil thoughts and actions originate from?
2. What authority regarding forgiveness of sins is given in John 20:23?
3. In the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:20-24), how does the father react when he sees his son returning?
4. What analogy did the pastor use to describe sin and its effects on our spiritual life? ([24:30])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding that sin originates from within us (Mark 7:21-23) change our approach to dealing with sin in our lives?
2. What does John 20:23 suggest about the role of the Church in the forgiveness of sins?
3. How does the father's reaction in Luke 15:20-24 illustrate God's attitude towards us when we seek forgiveness?
4. Why might people avoid confession, and how does the sermon address these reasons? ([26:09])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt burdened by sin. How did you seek relief, and what was the outcome? ([24:30])
2. The sermon mentioned that we often put on facades to hide our internal struggles. How can you be more authentic in your relationships and seek the help you need? ([23:55])
3. Have you ever felt that your sins were too great to be forgiven? How does the concept of Jesus' boundless mercy challenge that belief? ([30:04])
4. What steps can you take to make confession a regular part of your spiritual life, especially if it has been a long time since your last confession? ([31:12])
5. How can you support a friend or family member who might be struggling with the idea of confession or feeling unworthy of forgiveness? ([34:56])
6. The sermon compared sin to spiritual constipation. What practical actions can you take to address and confess your sins before they cause more harm? ([24:30])
7. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of humility and dependence on God's mercy in your daily life? ([22:19])
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus' Attraction to Our Sinfulness
Jesus is uniquely drawn to our sinfulness, not because we are good, but because He desires to save us from our fallen state. This profound realization should humble us and make us more aware of our need for His grace. Our sins, which originate from within us, can corrupt our lives and relationships if left unchecked. However, Jesus offers us a way out through the sacrament of confession. This sacrament is not just a ritual but a profound encounter with God's mercy. Many avoid it due to presumption or the belief that they are too sinful to be forgiven. Yet, Jesus' mercy is boundless, and no sin is too great for Him to forgive. The sacrament of confession allows us to unburden our souls and receive the healing we desperately need. [21:35]
Isaiah 1:18 (ESV): "Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool."
Reflection: What specific sins are you holding onto that you believe are too great for Jesus to forgive? Can you bring these to Him in prayer today, trusting in His boundless mercy?
Day 2: The Facade of Righteousness
We often pretend everything is fine while internally we are decaying due to sin. This facade can only be removed by acknowledging our sins and seeking Jesus' healing through confession. True healing begins when we stop pretending and start confessing. The spiritual decay caused by sin can only be healed by Jesus, who is attracted to our sin like a magnet and pulls it from us when we allow Him to get close. The sacrament of confession is a gift from Jesus through the Church, meant to free us from the chains of sin and restore our relationships and our view of the world. [23:55]
Psalm 32:3-5 (ESV): "For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,' and you forgave the iniquity of my sin."
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you putting on a facade of righteousness? How can you begin to acknowledge these areas and seek Jesus' healing through confession today?
Day 3: The Urgency of Confession
Sin is like spiritual constipation; it will kill us if not addressed. The sacrament of confession is a gift from Jesus to free us from the chains of sin. Delaying confession only prolongs our suffering and hinders our spiritual growth. We are reminded that Jesus' mercy is an ocean, and our collective sins are but a drop in it. This vast mercy is available to all who seek it, regardless of how long it has been since their last confession. The call to confession is urgent; it is an invitation to experience the freedom and joy that comes from encountering God's mercy. [24:30]
James 5:16 (ESV): "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
Reflection: What is one sin you have been avoiding confessing? Can you make a plan to go to confession this week and experience the freedom and joy of God's mercy?
Day 4: Boundless Mercy of Jesus
No sin is too great for Jesus' mercy. Our collective sins are but a drop in the ocean of His mercy. This vast mercy is available to all who seek it, and it is a lie from hell to believe that we are too sinful to be forgiven. Jesus' mercy is an ocean, and our sins are but a drop in it. This realization should fill us with hope and encourage us to seek His forgiveness, no matter how long it has been since our last confession. [30:04]
Micah 7:18-19 (ESV): "Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love. He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea."
Reflection: Have you ever believed the lie that your sins are too great to be forgiven? How can you remind yourself of Jesus' boundless mercy today?
Day 5: The Joy of Forgiveness
Encountering Jesus' mercy in confession brings profound joy and freedom. This joy is a testament to the transformative power of God's grace, which lifts the burden of sin and fills us with His love. The sacrament of confession allows us to unburden our souls and receive the healing we desperately need. This joy is a testament to the transformative power of God's grace, which lifts the burden of sin and fills us with His love. [32:56]
Psalm 51:12 (ESV): "Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit."
Reflection: When was the last time you experienced the joy of forgiveness? How can you seek out this joy through confession and encounter God's mercy today?
Quotes
1. "He's attracted to our sin. Like, I don't think I've ever sat with that so fully that Jesus is attracted to me because of my sin. I'm not good. Like my, I live in a fallen world because of the sin of our forefathers, Adam and Eve. And I fall into sin. And so when I come to church, it's, I don't come to church and be like, I'm the best, Jesus. You died for no purpose. No, I come and realize I come to church because I need what he gave on the cross to enter me." [21:35] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Your sin is here to kill you. Did you know that? Your sin is here to kill you. The devil doesn't care about you. All he wants to do is pull you from the Father. My brother had a friend in high school who had a hedgehog. And one time I was like, hey, how's Mika, the hedgehog? And she's like, she died. And I was like, oh, that's terrible. And I was like, but she was young. She's like, yeah, apparently hedgehogs die of constipation before the age of three all the time. What a terrible way. Poor hedgehogs. Sin is spiritual constipation. That's what it is. And it will kill you or it will ruin your life." [24:18] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "There is another option we can choose to give our sin over to the one who has come to heal our sin. And we do that in the sacrament of confession. Because your sin will come out. It will come out and it will ruin your relationships. It will ruin your job. It will ruin the beauty of the world. It will ruin your goodness. It will ruin how you see people, the judgment you have upon people. I judge other people. Why do I judge other people? I can't stop it. It's probably because I judge myself because I haven't encountered the mercy of God in my soul." [25:06] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If you're not in need of a savior, then Jesus died to no purpose, and you coming to Mass is like a social experiment and absolutely purposeless. It's silly that you're here if you don't believe that Jesus Christ is your savior, that you need a savior. If you don't believe that you need confession, then you don't believe in the saviorship of Jesus Christ, and therefore, you don't believe, there's no reason for you to be here. You can get up and leave. Woo-hoo! You're already good." [27:15] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "But if you're here, it means that there's something within you, in the very fabric of our humanity that says, I need somebody to pull me from the pit because I'm caught, I'm trapped, and I need somebody to save me, and I've tried over and over and over and over again, and I'm exhausted with trying to get out of my own way, my own pit, my own hurt." [27:52] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "That all of the sin in your life put together, and all of our sin put together is a drop in the ocean of his mercy. That's how vast and depth and height and grandeur is his mercy. So there is no sin that you've committed that is too great for his mercy. And the greater the sin you think you've committed, the greater is his mercy. And all he wants to do is enter into that sin and take it out, because he's attracted like a magnet, and when he gets close to you, he pulls sin from your life, if you let him get close to you." [30:04] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "And sometimes, when we're spending time in line for confession, we can start to judge the people in confession. Why are they taking so long? And then they walk out and they're all happy. They're like, oh, they're like dancing out. And you're like, why are you dancing out? And there's just like judgment. There's no judgment on judgment. And then we get into the confessional and we encounter his mercy and all of a sudden we feel that lightness and we experience that freedom and we walk out and we're like dancing and people are like, why are you so happy?" [32:23] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Because when we encounter the mercy of God and we realize that I didn't earn it, I didn't deserve it, there's nothing I did to merit it, he was just attracted to me because of my sin and then he wanted to pull me out, all I can do is dance. All I can do is sing. All I can do is tell his praises because we encounter the mercy of God, it's greater than anything that this world has ever seen. It's why we place his mercy up above us upon the cross and when I look at that cross, I'm convicted that I need him." [32:56] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "I sense that sometimes people are hesitant because they've been hurt by priests and they say, well, I don't really need to go to a priest. I can just confess my sins to God. First off, let me say I'm sorry if you've been hurt by a priest and that has prevented you from receiving the full mercy of the Lord. Is of the church that's meant to be a place of healing for the church, for the people. It's meant to be a hospital rather than a hotel, a hospital for sinners rather than a hotel for saints. And I'm sorry if you've been hurt." [34:32] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "And secondly to lastly, whatever the last is, is that Jesus wants to meet you and he's been desiring to meet you. So say yes to him and say yes to his mercy." [35:32] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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