God’s mercy always surpasses His judgement without compromising His holiness.

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Discussion questions for this sermon:

1. Why do you think Jesus hung out with people that others shunned (like widows, lepers and tax collectors) and shunned people that others looked up to (like rabbis and priests)?
2. Why might have Jesus considered Rahab “one of the least of these”?
3. Read Joshua 2:1-3. Why might it seem surprising that the spies entered the house of Rahab the prostitute?  Why might have Rahab been surprised that these 2 came to her house?
4. 1 Corinthians 1:28-29 says, “God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God. (NLT).                                                                                           According to these verses why does God choose people who are despised by the world and considered to be nothing at all?
5. Read Joshua 2:4-7. Why might Rahab’s action of hiding the spies be considered risky?  Why did Jim say that she was committing treason?  In what way was she risking her own life?  How do you deal with the fact that even though Rahab lied to and deceived the king’s messenger, God commended her for her actions (according to Hebrews 11:31 and James 2:26)?
6. Read Joshua 2:8-11. How did the people of Jericho respond when they heard about what God had done for the Israelites?  According to verse 11 how did Rahab respond?

7. What are some of the ways we can make sure the unchurched of our city and county can hear the powerful stories of God’s mighty deeds?