An Unexpected Man With a Purpose

N.T.#97 "An Unexpected Man With a Purpose"

June 22, 2023

Matthew 9-Part 5

LET IT GLOW

You know Matthew must have been one whom people did not expect to be used by God to share His love and Truth. A hated tax collector. Yet...

We can see the results of Matthew coming to Jesus. This wealth tax collector let his flourishing job to follow the Savior. so he wasn't a blue-collar fisherman like John; not a sophisticated, white-collar physician like Luke; and not a young hanger-on like Mark. No doubt he had heard the stories of Jesus' words and deeds. The Holy Spirit must have already been prodding Matthew's conscience. (Swindoll)

How do I know this greedy man, Matthew, had a change of heart? For one thing, Matthew became a disciple of Jesus and wrote the first of the four Gospels in the New Testament. Such grace and mercy for this man! Yes, Matthew left everything but his pen. He recognized Jesus as the long-awaited King of Israel, the Promised Messiah. Matthew wrote over 65 references to the Old Testament.

Does the Word of God change our heart? Is it something we can live by, count on, draw closer to God?

Jesus can use anyone to bring His message to the hurting, downtrodden.

LET IT GROW

Secondly, Matthew had a great feast. He opened his large home to his sinful friends and officials in the Jewish community, bringing them to the Savior. (Luke 5:29) 

What can we learn from Matthew's example?

• Jesus went to where sinners were, seeking them.
• Sinners felt comfortable around Him.
• Jesus had meals with sinners, immoral people who society and the religious rejected and avoided.
• Jesus and sinners were great friends.                                                                                                 I am not advocating that we go to their drinking and drug parties. However, at work we can talk with the lost, ask them what is happening in their life, give them hope-Jesus. We lift them up, not judging and condemning. (The Holy Spirit does that.) We love them with the love of Jesus, help meet needs, invite them to activities of the church. There have been parents reached through their children as the attend VBS in the summer. That is my mission. This is my fifth year as director. My husband got saved during VBS a long time ago, when he was a 12 year-old, barefoot boy in the country.

LET IT GO

Thank you Jesus that You love this little gray-haired grandma living on a country road.

Praise be to Jesus for saving us from the punishment of sins!

Glory to God on high!

Use us as Your witness today!