Jesus calls Matthew to "Follow me."
I have been re-reading the gospel of Matthew. Again, I am mesmerized by the word's of Jesus written in Red.
In Matthew 9: 9-13, Jesus calls Matthew to "Follow me."
Matthew was a tax collector. Tax collectors were not liked men in those days. They had a reputation for thieving & dishonest gain. Yet Jesus saw past that, and called Matthew to "Follow me."
Let's see if we can see ourselves in the Pharisees or as an invited guest of Matthew in these few verses here in Matthew 9. Here Jesus is at Matthew's house reclining at a table sharing a meal with presumably Matthew's friends. There at the table are "many tax collectors & sinners".
The Pharisees see this and ask why! "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" It can be very tempting to look harshly at the Pharisees at seeing how ostracizing they are but in actual fact don't we do the same?
Do we make swift judgments on people who do not fit our mold? Do we criticize those who don't have the same ideas on the way we should act & behave? Worse still do we label them and want nothing to do with them because, there is no hope - 'they will never change anyway...'
When Jesus heard what the Pharisee's asked, Jesus responded purely. Look with me as we look at this and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you. Also ask the Holy Spirit to transform your thoughts and judgments. Lord please help us understand! You actually instruct us to 'go and learn what this means.' we desire to understand Lord.
Matthew 9:12&13
"Those who are well have not need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.' For I came not to call the righteous but sinners."
These word's are so pregnant with meaning it is sobering. The word picture of being sick & needing a physician is something tangible for us to relate to today. Let's ask ourselves the question, would we not take our child to the doctor if he was ill? Most definitely! The physical condition of our children is very important to us as parents. Here though, Jesus is talking about our spiritual sickness. Our heart condition. Are you aware of your heart condition? Are you sick in your heart? Is there unrest? Do you worship other gods? Do you have some idols in your life? Do you misuse the name of God? Are you keeping the sabbath day holy? How about your relationship with your mum & dad? Even though you are 60 years old, we are still required to honor them. Have you committed murder, or adultery? Are you stealing or lying? Are you coveting what the world has to offer? These are some questions that reveal our heart condition.
Dear friend - If you heart is sick there is good news! God sent His one and only son to call not the righteous but sinners! That's what I am! A sinner who has been saved by grace!
If you recognize that you have sin in your heart, or if you have never asked Jesus to forgive you of your sins, I urge you today to repent of your sins & to cry out to Jesus for forgiveness & ask him to be Lord of your life.
The Word's in Red bring life and freedom. Jesus came to save sinners. If you are saved, and you have tasted forgiveness, may I encourage you to read the Word's in Red & recall what Jesus did - why he came & then open your arms to weep with those who are sick...
because
His Wrath is Satisfied...
In Matthew 9: 9-13, Jesus calls Matthew to "Follow me."
Matthew was a tax collector. Tax collectors were not liked men in those days. They had a reputation for thieving & dishonest gain. Yet Jesus saw past that, and called Matthew to "Follow me."
Let's see if we can see ourselves in the Pharisees or as an invited guest of Matthew in these few verses here in Matthew 9. Here Jesus is at Matthew's house reclining at a table sharing a meal with presumably Matthew's friends. There at the table are "many tax collectors & sinners".
The Pharisees see this and ask why! "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" It can be very tempting to look harshly at the Pharisees at seeing how ostracizing they are but in actual fact don't we do the same?
Do we make swift judgments on people who do not fit our mold? Do we criticize those who don't have the same ideas on the way we should act & behave? Worse still do we label them and want nothing to do with them because, there is no hope - 'they will never change anyway...'
When Jesus heard what the Pharisee's asked, Jesus responded purely. Look with me as we look at this and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you. Also ask the Holy Spirit to transform your thoughts and judgments. Lord please help us understand! You actually instruct us to 'go and learn what this means.' we desire to understand Lord.
Matthew 9:12&13
"Those who are well have not need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.' For I came not to call the righteous but sinners."
These word's are so pregnant with meaning it is sobering. The word picture of being sick & needing a physician is something tangible for us to relate to today. Let's ask ourselves the question, would we not take our child to the doctor if he was ill? Most definitely! The physical condition of our children is very important to us as parents. Here though, Jesus is talking about our spiritual sickness. Our heart condition. Are you aware of your heart condition? Are you sick in your heart? Is there unrest? Do you worship other gods? Do you have some idols in your life? Do you misuse the name of God? Are you keeping the sabbath day holy? How about your relationship with your mum & dad? Even though you are 60 years old, we are still required to honor them. Have you committed murder, or adultery? Are you stealing or lying? Are you coveting what the world has to offer? These are some questions that reveal our heart condition.
Dear friend - If you heart is sick there is good news! God sent His one and only son to call not the righteous but sinners! That's what I am! A sinner who has been saved by grace!
If you recognize that you have sin in your heart, or if you have never asked Jesus to forgive you of your sins, I urge you today to repent of your sins & to cry out to Jesus for forgiveness & ask him to be Lord of your life.
The Word's in Red bring life and freedom. Jesus came to save sinners. If you are saved, and you have tasted forgiveness, may I encourage you to read the Word's in Red & recall what Jesus did - why he came & then open your arms to weep with those who are sick...
because
His Wrath is Satisfied...
posted by PJC at 6:33 am
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