Pastor Léveillé delivered a powerful sermon exploring the profound truth of Jesus Christ’s worthiness. Through Scripture and the biblical story of Mephibosheth, he highlighted how Christ’s perfection provides hope and salvation to humanity’s unworthiness, emphasising the transformative grace of God in the Christmas season.
Declaring Jesus Worthy
When believers declare that Jesus is worthy, they acknowledge that He possesses qualities humanity lacks. Jesus Christ stands apart as heaven’s gift to mankind, the perfect Lamb of God and the sinless one. This declaration of His worthiness sets Him apart from all others, implying a fundamental truth: if He is worthy, humanity is not. Were people worthy in the same way, Christ could offer no true help. His worthiness distinguishes Him, enabling Him to accomplish what no one else can and to receive worship that humanity cannot claim.
The Story of Mephibosheth
Pastor Léveillé drew attention to the Old Testament account of Mephibosheth, a lesser-known figure from the family of King Saul. After Saul’s unfaithfulness led to the loss of his kingdom, David ascended the throne. Mephibosheth, crippled in childhood when his caretaker dropped him while fleeing danger, hid in a remote place called Lo-debar, fearing for his life as a member of the former dynasty.
One day, a summons arrived from King David. Expecting judgment, Mephibosheth approached the king in fear, proclaiming himself unworthy even to be in David’s presence, likening himself to a “dead dog.”
Grace Instead of Judgment
Rather than condemnation, David extended grace. He restored Mephibosheth’s inheritance and invited him to eat at the king’s table continually. This act stemmed not from Mephibosheth’s merit but from David’s kindness, painting a vivid picture of God’s relationship with humanity. People, sinners by birth and choice, arrive before God empty-handed and unworthy of heaven.
Scripture affirms this in Romans 3:10: “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one.” Heaven, a perfect realm where sin cannot dwell, excludes those who fall short daily in thoughts, words, and deeds. Romans 3:23 declares, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”
The Question of Worthiness in Heaven
Revelation 5 poses the critical question: Who is worthy? Initially, no one qualifies. Yet the answer resounds: Christ is worthy. John beholds not a conquering lion alone but a Lamb as it had been slain, the Lion of the tribe of Judah who prevailed.
Old Testament sacrifices required a spotless lamb to cover sins temporarily, foreshadowing Christ, the perfect sacrifice.
Christ’s Worthiness to Save
Jesus alone is worthy to forgive sins and bring sinners into God’s presence. As 1 Peter 3:18 states, “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit.” Through faith in Him, believers receive His righteousness, clothed in it so God sees Christ’s worthiness rather than human sin.
The Good News of Christmas
This truth forms the heart of Christmas: God sent His only begotten Son as a gift to remedy universal unworthiness. John 3:16 proclaims, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Like Mephibosheth at the king’s table, where his lameness remained hidden, believers in heaven will appear covered by Christ’s righteousness. Ephesians 1:6 notes that God has “made us accepted in the beloved.” An everyday illustration clarifies this: a stranger invited by the host’s son gains welcome not through personal merit but through that invitation.
John 1:12 adds, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.”
The Invitation to Sinners
Salvation comes not from human deserving but from Christ’s worthiness. He extends invitation to the needy and sinful, as He declared: the sick need a physician, not the healthy. Christ came to call sinners to repentance, fulfilling the faithful saying that He entered the world to save sinners.
To receive salvation, one must acknowledge personal sinfulness, recognise Christ’s sufficient payment on the cross, and trust Him alone. Acts 16:31 promises, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.”
Conclusion
Earthly worship through choirs and orchestras pales compared to heaven’s chorus around the throne, proclaiming Christ’s worthiness. Pastor Léveillé expressed longing for all to join that eternal gathering, gathered around the Lamb of God and Lion of Judah.
This message invites reflection on the only One truly worthy, urging trust in His gift of salvation.
