Because so many of Jesus's meetings were with tax collectors and other "sinners," he quickly became at odds with other religious teachers. Matthew's invitation to discipleship is followed by Jesus conversing with people at mealtimes that no respectable rabbi would ever engage in conversation.
In chapter Matthew chapter 9 we read, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” But when he heard this, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous but sinners.
It was unusual for a rabbi or religious person to dine with sinners or the poor. It was also difficult for some religious people to believe that Jesus went among people everyone else thought were sinners. Jesus had no such problem. He went to Matthew’s house, and both enjoyed his host’s company and ate with his guests. All he wanted was that the very good religious people would know their need of his healing and mercy too. He was aware that unless they knew their own weakness, they would never know the love of the Father. He tried a homely example that you don’t go to the doctor unless you are sick, nor to any health-care person unless you need help. We are all like that - people in need.
As I move through this day, may I quietly consider how Jesus wants to call all those around me. If I do not understand why, is it because I do not see what Jesus sees.
Dear Lord, thank you for the invitation to join you at your table. Thank you for reaching through the ages, through the crowds, to notice a sinner like me, call me by name, and invite me to follow. Thank you for willingness, fleeting and fickle though it be. In Jesus' name. Amen
No comments:
Post a Comment