The Calling of Matthew - Matthew 9:9-13
The Calling of Matthew
9 As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.
10 While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. 11 When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
12 On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Reflection: As we read of the call of Matthew, also named Levi in Luke's gospel, Jesus reveals many things about God's nature. First note it is Jesus who calls Matthew, and Matthew gets up immediately and follows Jesus. While Matthew could have refused the call, it is clear there is something supernatural going on here, and Jesus is doing the work. When Jesus calls us we are given the power of the Holy Spirit to get up and follow. God chooses us before we can choose Him.
We also see that Jesus goes on to Matthew's turf and meets him in his context. First at work, and then into his home. And rather than being offended at his reputation (tax collectors were hated by the Jews because they usually usurped their power and this was all the worse because Matthew was Jewish, from the Levites tribe), Jesus embraces Matthew and his friends. So not only is Jesus using this time to reach out to call Matthew, but He is using this opportunity to show his friends what the kingdom of heaven is like. Though these people had been scorned by the religious professionals, the Pharisees, they were welcomed by the Son of God.
And we also see the reaction of the Pharisees, who are disconcerted by the fact Jesus is hanging out with unclean sinners. Jesus uses the incredible moment to teach that he is there to help sinners not the self righteous. The tax collectors were actually closer to the kingdom than the religious elite, because they knew they didn't measure up to God's standard, which is perfection. Perhaps the hardest person to reach is the person who really doesn't think they need Jesus because after all they are a pretty good person.
And we find in polls that are done when people are asked if they will get to heaven and why they say, "Well I'm a pretty good person and that has to count for something." Jesus reminds us to today that salvation comes to those who know they need help and reach out to the Great Physician for healing of their souls. For those willing to humble themselves and come to him for mercy will have life and have it to the full.
Jesus our great temptation is to think we don't need help and to be self sufficient and self righteous. Help us to follow you like Matthew so we can pursue the abundant life you have called us to as we respond to your call! Amen.
9 As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.
10 While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. 11 When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
12 On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Reflection: As we read of the call of Matthew, also named Levi in Luke's gospel, Jesus reveals many things about God's nature. First note it is Jesus who calls Matthew, and Matthew gets up immediately and follows Jesus. While Matthew could have refused the call, it is clear there is something supernatural going on here, and Jesus is doing the work. When Jesus calls us we are given the power of the Holy Spirit to get up and follow. God chooses us before we can choose Him.
We also see that Jesus goes on to Matthew's turf and meets him in his context. First at work, and then into his home. And rather than being offended at his reputation (tax collectors were hated by the Jews because they usually usurped their power and this was all the worse because Matthew was Jewish, from the Levites tribe), Jesus embraces Matthew and his friends. So not only is Jesus using this time to reach out to call Matthew, but He is using this opportunity to show his friends what the kingdom of heaven is like. Though these people had been scorned by the religious professionals, the Pharisees, they were welcomed by the Son of God.
And we also see the reaction of the Pharisees, who are disconcerted by the fact Jesus is hanging out with unclean sinners. Jesus uses the incredible moment to teach that he is there to help sinners not the self righteous. The tax collectors were actually closer to the kingdom than the religious elite, because they knew they didn't measure up to God's standard, which is perfection. Perhaps the hardest person to reach is the person who really doesn't think they need Jesus because after all they are a pretty good person.
And we find in polls that are done when people are asked if they will get to heaven and why they say, "Well I'm a pretty good person and that has to count for something." Jesus reminds us to today that salvation comes to those who know they need help and reach out to the Great Physician for healing of their souls. For those willing to humble themselves and come to him for mercy will have life and have it to the full.
Jesus our great temptation is to think we don't need help and to be self sufficient and self righteous. Help us to follow you like Matthew so we can pursue the abundant life you have called us to as we respond to your call! Amen.
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