July 12 2026
The heart of a Rust City Group is to care for people and carry the culture of Rust City Church.
You don’t have to follow this guide like a script! Use discernment from the Holy Spirit as you lead your group discussion.
If you notice that someone in your group needs additional care or support that’s beyond your capacity, please let a pastor know.
ICEBREAKER QUESTION OPTION:
If you’re life right now had a theme song, what would that be?
The unlikely pt. 10
SPEAKER: Pastor Wes Washington
Scriptures—
Matthew 9:1–13; Hosea 6:6
Key Takeaways—
The Unlikely – Matthew
Jesus sees both visible brokenness and hidden spiritual paralysis.
A “booth” is any place where we find identity, security, comfort, or control apart from Christ.
Jesus does not merely improve our old life; He invites us into a new one.
Repentance is more than feeling sorry about things we’ve done; it is a change of mind and heart that produces a change of direction.
Matthew’s first response to Jesus was to follow, but his next response was to issue an invitation—he brought others like himself to the table with Jesus.
One of the best ways to stay out of our old life is to help someone else find new life in Christ.
Discussion Questions—
In Matthew chapter 9, Jesus encounters both a paralyzed man on a mat and Matthew in a tax booth. How are their forms of “paralysis” different, and how are they similar?
The sermon described a “booth” as a place where we seek identity, security, or comfort apart from Christ. What are some common “booths” we get stuck in today?
Why can success, comfort, or stability sometimes make it harder to recognize our need for Jesus? What else can keep us trapped?
Jesus’ call to Matthew was simple: “Follow Me.” What makes that simple call difficult to obey in real life?
Matthew left the booth and then invited others to a banquet with Jesus. What does his response teach us about discipleship and mercy?
Jesus quoted an Old Testament text, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” How can we practice mercy toward people who are far from God?
Practical application—
Consider implementing the following this week:
1: name your booth
Spend time honestly identifying one area where you may be finding identity, security, comfort, or control apart from Christ. Each morning ask God to enable you to leave that booth.
2: take one step
Choose one concrete action that moves you away from the booth you’re stuck in and toward obedience—such as making a phone call, confessing to a trusted believer, apologizing, asking for help, or removing access to a temptation.
3: invite someone else to the table
Reach out to one person this week who needs encouragement, prayer, community, or an invitation to get to know Jesus more deeply. Share how your relationship with Jesus is affecting your life.
Closing Prayer—
Jesus,
Thank You for seeing us fully—both the brokenness others can see and the places where we are quietly stuck. Show us the booths we have built our identity, security, or comfort around. Give us the courage to respond when You say, “Follow Me.”
Lead us into true repentance, help us leave behind what keeps us from You, and make us people of mercy who invite others to Your table. This week, help us not only step out of our own booths but also reach out with love to help others find new life in You.
In your name,
Amen.