When Jesus was leaving, he saw a man named Matthew. Matthew was sitting at his place for collecting taxes. Jesus said to him, "Follow me." Then Matthew stood up and followed Jesus.
- Matthew 9:9 (ERV)
THOUGHT:
Not only does Jesus have the authority to forgive sins, he has the authority to command sinners to follow and they follow. They respond with a change of heart and behavior.
A classic example is Matthew the tax collector -- tax collectors in Jesus day were renown for using their position for personal gain and were associated with traitors who sold out to the Roman occupiers.
He is a great witness that Jesus cares for all and goes in search of all. He is a great reminder that redemptive love allows no cultural or social barriers to love. Matthew's response is the great reminder that many sinners are looking for a Savior. All they need is someone to show them how to get him.
PRAYER:
Holy and merciful God, thank you for coming to this world to save sinners. I thank you for the grace you've given to me. Please help me be more gracious to others and come closer to your grace and forgiveness. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Related Scriptures:
Jesus said, "Today is the day for this family to be saved from sin. Yes, even this tax collector is one of God's chosen people ! The Son of Man came to find lost people and save them." - Luke 19:9-10
{Why do I say people are like that?} Because John came, and he did not eat {like other people} or drink wine. And people say, 'He has a demon inside him.' The Son of Man came eating {like other people} and drinking wine, and people say, 'Look at him! He eats too much and drinks too much wine. He is a friend of tax collectors and other bad people.' But wisdom is shown to be right by the things it does." - Matthew 11:18-19
Jesus heard this, and he said to them, "Healthy people don't need a doctor. It is the sick people that need a doctor. I did not come to invite good people. I came to invite sinners." - Mark 2:17
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