Label Maker - Rahab
SUMMARY
This sermon explores the story of Rahab from Jesus' genealogy in Matthew 1, focusing on how God includes unlikely people in His salvation story. Rahab was a Canaanite prostitute living in Jericho who chose faith over fear when she helped Israelite spies, believing in the God of Israel
despite her outsider status. Her story demonstrates that God's grace is not limited by our past, our labels, or our reputation. Matthew intentionally includes Rahab in Jesus' family line to show that the Messiah came for everyone, including those society would reject. The sermon emphasizes that just as Rahab had a label ('Rahab the harlot'), we all carry labels, but God calls us His beloved regardless of our past. Through Rahab's scarlet cord that saved her family, we see a foreshadowing of Christ's blood that saves us all.
INTRO PRAYER
Gracious God, as we gather together today, we ask that you open our hearts and minds to what you want to teach us through your Word. Help us to be receptive to your Spirit moving among us, and may we be willing to examine our own lives in light of your truth. Lord, we come with our own labels, our own past mistakes, and our own need for grace. Prepare us to receive your message of redemption and hope. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
ICE BREAKER
What nickname or label (positive or negative) have you carried at some point in your life, and how did it make you feel?
KEY VERSES
Matthew 1:1-6
Joshua 2:11
Joshua 6
QUESTIONS
Why do you think Matthew specifically included Rahab in Jesus' genealogy, especially mentioning her background as a prostitute?
What does Rahab's declaration in Joshua 2:11 ('the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below') reveal about her faith?
How did Rahab demonstrate that she chose 'faith over fear' in her actions with the Israelite spies?
What is the significance of the scarlet cord in Rahab's story, and how does it connect to the broader theme of salvation in Scripture?
In what ways do we see God's grace overcoming societal expectations and religious boundaries through Rahab's inclusion in Jesus' family line?
What 'labels' do people carry today that might make them feel excluded from God's love or the church community?
How does Rahab's story challenge our understanding of who God chooses to use in His plans?
What does it mean that 'God doesn't erase your past, He redeems it,' and how have you seen this truth in your own life or the lives of others?
LIFE APPLICATIONS
This week, identify one label or past mistake that you've allowed to define you or hold you back. Spend time in prayer asking God to help you see yourself as He sees you - as His beloved child. Consider reaching out to someone who might feel labeled or excluded and extend the same grace and acceptance that God has shown you.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
God's grace is not limited by our past, reputation, or societal labels
Faith matters more than pedigree or moral perfection in God's eyes
Jesus' family line intentionally includes outsiders, sinners, and unlikely heroes
God specializes in redeeming broken stories and turning them into testimonies of grace
The scarlet cord represents God's salvation available to all who believe, foreshadowing Christ's sacrifice
ENDING PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank you for the powerful reminder through Rahab's story that no one is too far gone for your grace. Help us to release the labels that have held us captive and to embrace our identity as your beloved children. Give us courage to step out in faith as Rahab did, trusting in your goodness even when we can't see the full picture. May we extend the same grace to others that you have shown us, welcoming all people into your family regardless of their past. As we prepare our hearts for Christmas, remind us that Jesus came for people just like Rahab - and just like us. In His precious name we pray, Amen.
