Intentionally Sitting with Sinners

(5/14/23)

" (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. (13) Go and learn what this means: "I desire mercy, and not sacrifice." For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.'”

Matthew 9:9-13

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Early on in Jesus’ ministry, Jesus calls Matthew to be His disciple. Soon after, Jesus attends a gathering at Matthew’s house where irreligious Jews and many people of low esteem were. The Pharisees, upon seeing Jesus, began to question Him asking why He would eat with such people. Jesus answered by saying, 'Those who are well have no 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.'” (v.12-13). In responding in the way that He did, Jesus demonstrated that His main priority was to save those who were lost. His mission in coming into the world was to offer salvation and forgiveness to all who believed in His Name ( John 3:16; Rom. 5:8 ). His intentions could be seen here as He intentionally spoke and sat with those living in sin. As disciples of Jesus, our approach should be similar to that of our Lord. It can be easy to want to avoid being around those who have perverse speech or have differing worldviews from us, however, it is exactly these people who need our Lord the most. It is our job, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to extend the love and hope of Christ to those in need of Jesus. Just as Jesus chose to sit with those who truly needed Him, we too should be willing to sit with those who need our Lord.

Q: When have you been tempted to only hang out with fellow believers? Why is it essential that we reach out to all people for Jesus?

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God, Creator of the heavens and the earth, please help me to remember my own sinful state. Help me to remember where I was before I knew Jesus. You sent Jesus to die for the lost and for those living in sin and this includes every human. Use me to reach those who are lost and bring Your light to them. Help me to intentionally reach out to all people just as Jesus did.

In Jesus' Name, I pray, Amen.