Matthew 9:9-12 is about Jesus calling Matthew, a tax collector considered a sinner by society, to follow him as a disciple and demonstrating that he came to heal sinners and not the righteous.
9 As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.
10 And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples.
11 And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
12 But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.
Setting the Scene for Matthew 9:9-12
In Matthew chapter 9, we find Jesus walking along the shores of the Sea of Galilee. As He continues His ministry, He comes across a tax collector named Matthew, also known as Levi. Matthew was sitting at his tax booth, collecting taxes from the people passing by. Tax collectors were often despised in Jewish society as they were seen as collaborators with the Roman oppressors and were known for their dishonest practices.
Jesus approaches Matthew and simply says, “Follow me.” In a remarkable display of faith and obedience, Matthew immediately gets up, leaves everything behind, and follows Jesus. This act of leaving his profession and livelihood behind to follow Jesus was a significant moment in Matthew’s life, marking the beginning of his journey as one of Jesus’ disciples.
As Jesus and Matthew continue on their way, they arrive at Matthew’s house where a great feast is prepared. Many tax collectors and sinners gather to dine with Jesus and His disciples. This scene causes quite a stir among the religious leaders of the time, who question why Jesus would associate with such people. Jesus responds by saying that He came not for the righteous, but for sinners, emphasizing His mission to bring salvation to all, regardless of their past.
What is Matthew 9:9-12 about?
This verse beautifully portrays Jesus’s unconditional love and acceptance for all people, regardless of their past sins or social status. Jesus demonstrates that no one is beyond redemption or unworthy of His grace by calling Matthew, a tax collector considered a sinner by society. It challenges us to reflect on our own attitudes towards those who may be deemed as outcasts or sinners in our society. Do we show the same level of love and acceptance that Jesus showed to Matthew? This verse highlights the transformative power of Jesus’s call. Matthew’s encounter with Jesus leads to a radical change in his life as he leaves behind his old ways to follow Christ. It reminds us that no one is too lost or too far gone for Jesus to reach out to and transform. It inspires us to believe in the possibility of change and redemption for ourselves and for others. How can we respond to Jesus’s call in our own lives, and how can we extend that same call to others who may need it?
Understanding what Matthew 9:9-12 really means
In Matthew 9:9-12, we witness a profound moment where Jesus calls Matthew, a tax collector, to follow Him. Tax collectors were often viewed with disdain in Jewish society due to their collaboration with the Roman authorities and their reputation for corruption. However, Jesus’ decision to reach out to someone like Matthew underscores His mission to embrace the marginalized and sinners, demonstrating His radical love and inclusivity.
The key phrase “Follow me” symbolizes a direct invitation from Jesus to embark on a transformative journey of discipleship. Matthew’s immediate response of getting up and following Him signifies his obedience and willingness to leave behind his old life. The Pharisees’ question, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” reflects societal judgment and the religious elite’s misunderstanding of Jesus’ mission, highlighting the need to challenge our preconceived notions and embrace compassion.
Jesus’ statement, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick,” serves as a powerful metaphor for His purpose of healing and saving those who are spiritually unwell. This message resonates with us today, reminding us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. It calls us to emulate Jesus’ example by breaking down societal barriers and extending love and compassion to all, regardless of their past or status.
The relevance of this passage extends to our modern lives, urging us to respond to Jesus’ call with the same immediacy and willingness that Matthew displayed. It challenges us to let go of our old ways and embrace a new path of discipleship, rooted in love and service to others. Just as Jesus saw potential in Matthew, we are called to see the inherent worth and possibility for transformation in everyone we encounter.
In considering the calling of Matthew, we are encouraged to reflect on the themes of grace, transformation, and inclusivity that define Jesus’ ministry. This narrative prompts us to look beyond societal judgments and embrace a mindset of openness and acceptance towards those around us. Ultimately, it invites us to wholeheartedly respond to Jesus’ call in our own lives, trusting in His transformative power to bring about change and renewal.
What does it mean to show love to sinners?
Jesus shows love to sinners in the Bible verse found in Matthew 9:9-12 by extending His grace and compassion to them. He does this by associating with tax collectors and sinners, demonstrating that no one is beyond redemption or the reach of His love. Jesus showed that His love is inclusive and knows no bounds by spending time with those who were considered outcasts or societal rejects.
Showing love to sinners in this context means reaching out to those who may be marginalized or judged by society, offering them forgiveness, acceptance, and a chance for transformation. It implies a willingness to look beyond one’s faults and see the potential for redemption and growth. We reflect the same compassion and grace that Jesus exemplified by extending love to sinners, demonstrating that everyone is deserving of love and a second chance.
Application
Let’s imagine our lives as a bustling workplace, with colleagues from all walks of life. Just like Jesus did, let’s extend a hand of kindness and understanding to everyone, especially to those who feel left out or judged. In our “family” of humanity, let’s embrace love and acceptance towards all, without exceptions. How will you choose to embody this calling to spread goodwill and compassion in your everyday interactions?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.