[After Jesus called Matthew to follow him], Matthew invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with such scum?”
When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor — sick people do.”
Key Thought
It’s one thing to minister to the outcasts and sinners in public preaching; it’s quite another to go to their parties. Jesus did both. His doing so made everyone in the religious power structure very nervous and, eventually, very belligerent. But Jesus came to earth on a mission. Disapproval from some religious snobs didn’t dissuade him. Jesus’ purpose at the dinner in Matthew’s home, however, was not to cause controversy but to share salvation and fellowship with his new disciple and his friends. To this day, the best way for people to come to Christ is through a friend who has recently become a Christian. True friendship always shares our fellowship with our friends and Jesus!
Today’s Prayer
Father, thank you that Jesus had his mission so clearly in mind when he lived here on earth. Thank you that criticism did not derail him from this ministry. And Father, I ask for eyes to see and ears to hear so that I might minister to others who are seeking for the answers only you provide. In the grace and the name of the Lord Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
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