“Organized Mercy”

Teaching Text

Acts 6:1-7

1 Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6 These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them. 

7 And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.

Sermon Synopsis

Acts 6:1–7 reveals a moment when the early church faces internal tension – widows being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. What could have fractured the community instead became a catalyst for deeper formation. The apostles refuse to ignore the problem; they lean into the mess with humility, wisdom, and courage.

In response, they establish the first deacons – servant-leaders chosen from the very group that felt unseen. This wasn’t about bureaucracy; it was about ensuring that mercy wasn’t accidental but structural. The early church was not built around personality or efficiency, but around compassion, equity, and practical love.

Underneath this story is an even deeper truth: the only reason we can face conflict, extend mercy, and build communities of justice is because we rest in the mercy of Jesus, our Great High Priest. He stepped into our mess, carried our burdens, and served us at the cost of His own life. His mercy makes us merciful.

Key Takeaway:
The church is not just a community with mercy – it is a community built on mercy. When we lean into the mess with humility, build with mercy at the center, and rest in Jesus our Priest, we become a people who reveal His heart to the world.

Sharing Prompts

  1. Where do you see “overlooked places” in your life or relationships—people, responsibilities, or needs that may be unintentionally neglected? What might it look like to lean in rather than avoid?

  2. How has mercy shaped your own walk with Jesus? Who showed you mercy when you didn’t deserve it? How might God be inviting you to extend that same mercy to someone else?

  3. What prevents you from serving others freely—fatigue, fear of being taken advantage of, self-protection, or past hurts? How does Jesus as our High Priest reshape the way you see sacrificial service?

Practice

From the beginning, God’s people were called to protect those who were vulnerable – especially women who were marginalized by their life circumstances. God commanded Israel to defend the fatherless and the widow and to actively position themselves to bless the overlooked:
“He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you.” – Deuteronomy 10:18

In our city today, women and girls remain at real risk of exploitation and trafficking. These harms grow out of layers of brokenness—from personal choices to systemic injustices. God invites us not to look away, but to embody His compassion: grieving, repenting, praying, and acting for the restoration of those harmed.

1. Read: Take time to learn about the realities faced by women and girls in Los Angeles – one of the largest hubs of sex trafficking in the nation. The porn and commercial sex industries often exploit vulnerable women and girls; even indirect participation can reinforce harmful systems.

2. Repent: Ask the Lord to reveal any ways, seen or unseen, we have overlooked, ignored, or contributed to injustice. Invite Him to realign your heart with His compassion, holiness, and mercy.

3. Pray: Pray for the protection, dignity, healing, and restoration of vulnerable women and girls in our city. Pray that God would expose darkness and raise up His church to respond with courage and compassion.

4. Engage: Sign up to attend the screening of Buying Her through Planning Center. Use this space to learn, reflect, and discern how God may be calling you to act for justice in Los Angeles.