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As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. "Follow me," he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. Matthew 9:9 NIV
Two words, “follow me”, were life altering for Matthew the tax collector. In an instant, Matthew, also known as Levi, leaves his lucrative, safe life behind and joins this itinerant preacher on an adventure that will change him, and the whole world.
In first-century Jewish society, tax collectors were reviled as traitors, extortionists, and outcasts who gouged their own people to line their pockets and the coffers of the occupying Roman Empire. No 'respectable' rabbi would ever associate with a man like Matthew – but Jesus did.
Jesus looks past the corruption, the money, and the judgment of society. He sees a man who is spiritually exhausted and offers him a completely new identity. With these two words, “Follow me,” Jesus invites him into a new, radical way of living, one that required sacrifice, surrender, and service – but with a purpose filled life and eternal rewards.
Jesus CHOOSES Matthew as a disciple in the same way He chooses US. He invites us to come and follow Him, to learn from Him, and become like Him, despite our unworthiness.
When the religious elite questioned Jesus for associating with "sinners," Jesus famously replied, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.” (v. 12). Jesus actively seeks out those who feel unworthy, unlovable, or too far gone. Do you need a doctor?
It’s often wrongly assumed by the world that the religious are supposed to hate sinners. Sadly, we Christians don’t do a good enough job to dispel that misconception. Here, Jesus’ words and actions fly in the face of that, calling Matthew and dining out with sinners. In other passages he mixes with the sick and unclean, the demon possessed, foreigners, pagans, prostitutes, and many others. In each case, he offers them forgiveness and redemption.
Matthew is traditionally recognized as the author of the first book of the New Testament, the Gospel of Matthew. His background made him uniquely qualified to write the gospel. He was highly organized and wrote specifically to prove to the Jewish people that Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah. According to tradition, he spent his later years spreading the Christian faith in places like Persia, Syria, and Ethiopia, where he was ultimately martyred.
Jesus is still choosing people today, including you and me, and wanting to dine with us, sinners all. Who are we dining with? Who are we inviting to church? Who are we sharing the Gospel with?
See you Sunday!
In Christ;
Pastor Dan
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- Join us for worship this Sunday at First Evangelical and Holy Cross churches. We will have new member orientations coming up in July and welcoming a group in August. If you know anyone who might be interested in joining the churches, please contact one of the pastors or the office.
- First Evangelical Church Council will meet next Sunday after worship.
- Please bring your non-perishable food items (no glass) through the end of June and drop in one of the large boxes at the back of church as we gather items for the Palm Beach County Food Shelf. Items can include peanut butter, canned soup,oatmeal, protein bars, rice, pasta, etc.
- Registration is open for Vacation Bible School, June 15-19, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. for 4-&5-year-olds and elementary youth. Our theme this year is: “True North”, where the kids will have an unforgettable Alaskan adventure! The program is free and is an exciting way for kids to learn and grow in the Gospel this summer.
- We’re looking for volunteers to help with Vacation Bible School this spring. Mark your calendars for June 15-19, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Training and fun are included. Volunteers are needed for kitchen, games, teaching, music, and setup/cleanup. Contact Kaitlyn Hallett if you are interested.
- Grace Notes String Camp will begin June 15thwith two 2-week daily sessions for youth. Their teachers will be sharing special music for us on Sundays, June 21 and July 5th. Making a joyful noise unto the Lord!
