40. Jesus eats with sinners at Matthew’s house
– Matthew 9:9-13; Mark 2:13-17; Luke 5:27-32
Matthew 9:11-12 “When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?’ On hearing this, Jesus said, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.”
The Pharisees made themselves appear righteous on the outside by publically doing good deeds and pointing out the sins of others. They placed a high regard on reputation. If someone associated with the wrong group, then they would be looked down upon. Therefore, when Jesus decided to not only talk to sinners but also eat with them, the Pharisees were disgusted. A man claiming to be God was having communion with those who curse morality. But, Jesus didn’t care about the opinions of man. He didn’t care that the Pharisees disapproved of him speaking to the sinners. Jesus wasn’t placed on the earth to please the Pharisees but rather to bring salvation to anyone who would listen. It just so happened that those who needed and listened to Jesus were the ones most rejected by society. Jesus came to the earth to bring salvation. It is up to us to decide if we would like to accept the salvation. Only those who recognize their downfalls and seek help from God will receive salvation. Someone who ignores their faults and doesn’t seek God’s help will perish. Jesus came for all those who recognize that they are “sick” and in need of him.
Matthew 9:13 “But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous but the sinners.”
Your salvation is not dependent on your actions. Nothing that you can do will ever make you more or less worthy of salvation. God has shown mercy on you. You are no longer tied down by your sins. Jesus’ death has freed you from eternal death. Your obedience to God far outweighs any sacrifice you can give to God. God doesn’t want sacrifices and offerings. Don’t you see? Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice. God cares about your heart. He wants you to humbly come to him and commit your life to him. He wants to do life with you. He is a good father who wants to look after you. Stop trying to earn your salvation and accept his mercy.
