The Church That Forgot the Broken

**The Church That Forgot the Broken: A Call to Compassion and Community**

In a world where appearances often take precedence over authenticity, the sermon "The Church That Forgot the Broken" serves as a poignant reminder of the true mission of the church. Drawing from Luke 5:29-32 and Isaiah 61:1-3, the message challenges us to reflect on who is absent from our congregations and what that absence signifies about our spiritual health.

**A Banquet with the Broken**

The sermon begins with the story of Levi, also known as Matthew, a tax collector who, upon following Jesus, hosts a banquet not for the religious elite but for his fellow tax collectors and sinners. This act of hospitality underscores a critical point: true discipleship begins with invitation, not exclusion. Levi's first instinct was not to separate from his past but to bring his friends to meet Jesus. This challenges us to consider whether our churches are places of welcome for the marginalized or exclusive clubs for the spiritually fit.

**Good News for the Grimy**

Isaiah 61 provides a mission statement for the church, emphasizing the call to bring good news to the poor, bind up the brokenhearted, and proclaim freedom for the captives. Jesus, in his ministry, embodied this mission, reaching out to the poor, the brokenhearted, and the oppressed. The sermon reminds us that if we claim to follow Christ, our mission must align with His. We are called not to insulate the comfortable but to liberate the captives and comfort the grieving.

**A Hospital, Not a Country Club**

The metaphor of the church as a hospital rather than a country club is a powerful one. A hospital expects emergencies and welcomes the wounded, while a country club screens for the suitable and avoids discomfort. The church should be a place where everyone, regardless of their background or current struggles, can find healing and hope. The sermon challenges us to examine whether our ministries and programs truly serve the brokenhearted or merely cater to those already within our circles.

**Living the Word**

The sermon also critiques churches that pride themselves on being "Word churches" but fail to live out the teachings of the Bible. True faith is not just about studying scripture but embodying it in our actions. James 2 reminds us to be doers of the Word, not just hearers. Our ministries should reflect the compassion and justice that Jesus demonstrated, reaching out to the poor, the incarcerated, and the marginalized.

**A Call to Open Hearts and Doors**

Ultimately, the sermon calls us to open our hearts, tables, and doors to those in need. During the pandemic, some churches became command centers for compassion, providing food and support without prerequisites. This model of unconditional love and service is what the church is meant to be—a safe place for the hungry, the hurting, and the human.

As we reflect on this message, let us commit to being a church that remembers the broken, that centers the sick, and that embodies the love and mission of Jesus Christ. Let us be a hospital for the hurting, where no one has to break in to be healed. Amen.