N.T.#98 "Eating With Sinners"
June 23, 2023
Matthew 9-Part 6
LET IT GLOW
Matthew seems modestly passing over his calling to follow Jesus in verse 7. As the two walked and talked, I can see Matthew inviting Jesus and His followers to a great dinner in honor of Jesus and inviting his publican friends so they could know Jesus, too. Can you imagine sitting there, listening to the Messiah, learning great truths from Him, finding grace and mercy?
When good things are going on, there is usually critics around to try to tear down what is built up. So was the case at Matthew's house. Some Pharisees asked Jesus' disciples why He as eating with sinners. (As though they wear above tax collectors and others. They were sinners, too.)
As Christians, we need to remain humble. Let's not remain in our little groups at church, but expand, reach out to others. Try not to freeze them out of our fellowship, as McGee put it. Jesus has plenty of love to go around.
LET IT GROW
Oh boy, Jesus heard that comment.
But when Jesus heard that, He said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. (verse 12)
Jesus is the Great Physician. He came to earth in order to heal mankind of their basic problem-sin. In verse 13, Jesus challenged folks to go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
How could the tax collectors and sinners ever get the spiritual therapy they needed if the One with the cure avoided them? Jesus cared enough to reach out to the sick with a cure and compassion.
Are we showing compassion through grace, mercy, and love far more than sacrifice? Jesus gave a homework assignment to the Pharisees. Jesus' heart went out to those who lived in the muck and mire of shame and disgrace.
When Jesus comes to speak to our heart, He is eating with a sinner-you and me. When we study His Word, He speaks to us who fall short daily. Yet, the Savior forgives us, over and over again.
LET IT GO
Thank You Jesus that You invite us to dine at your table-the Holy Bible.
You feed our souls with so much!
What an Awesome God we serve!
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