Since this is the gospel according the Matthew, Matthew reveals his encounter with Christ. Jesus sees Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth and says "Follow me," (9:9) and Matthew immediately got up and followed him. Pause. Like really pause. Think what would be your reaction if some man came up to you and say follow me. Let me speak for myself, I think my response would be "Why?" but Matthew didn't not even bother to question Jesus. At this point I believe Matthew knew who Jesus was. Jesus had been performing many miracles, so I'm sure his name had been circling around town by now. Matthew was a tax collector people despised tax collectors; like us to the IRS (see I told you earlier people thousands of years ago are quite similar to us). But Jesus decided to associate with Matthew and even had dinner with Matthew's friends who the bible called "sinners" (9:10). Of course the Pharisees always had to interject with their commentaries and opinions regarding every situation. They questioned Jesus by asking him why he was associating with such people. Jesus replied "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice (Hos 6:6).' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."(9:13) In essence, what Christ is saying is that He came for everyone because all of us are sinners.
Life Application: As Christians, we often get into a bubble. And this bubble includes other Christians or people who are like us. Jesus did not discriminate on who he hung out with. His ministry was for everyone. Likewise, we should try to emulate Christ. Rather than choosing to only be among our saved friends, we should step out of our comfort zone and interact with other people. You never know when God can use you to bring someone else to Christ.
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The Pharisees never gave up. They asked why are Jesus' disciples not fasting. The purpose of fasting is to be connected with Christ. So Jesus replied them by saying what's the point of them fasting when they have him with them at the moment. I'm still trying to understand the analogies presented in 9:16-17. So if you have an idea please share.
Dear God, thank you for choosing me even while I was yet a sinner. Help me to extend this same attitude to everyone I encounter whether Christian or not. Please use my life and my actions to glorify you and draw people closer to you.
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