Matthew parties!

Scripture: Matthew 9:9-13 Click here for the reading

Observation: The saying goes "we have found the enemy and we are them."  When asked by the religious leaders why their teacher (Jesus) eats with such scum (One of them recently became a follower and would be identified as such scum), the disciples never answer but Jesus interrupts: "“Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.” The pharisees see themselves as the righteous, when truly they are in much need as these supposed scum (their word).


Application: We are wired to use us vs them language.  that is the language of our sinfulness.  It is interesting the words Jesus uses to help us understand that we are all sick and in need of God's healing and saving that comes through Jesus.  


How often do we think of the church as s museum of saints....kinda a hall of fame of do-gooder Christians?    How often do we cast others aside and think they are not worthy of Jesus presence?


What if we viewed our churches, Jesus' Church, as a hospital for sinners rather than a museum of saints?  


We have found the scum and the unworthy, and we are them.  Thank God Jesus wants to dine with us!  Partying with sinners is Jesus' thing. We celebrate that every week when we receive the forgiveness of sins around the Lord's table.


Prayer: Lord, I am but a poor penitent sinner in need of your grace, mercy and forgiveness.....just like everyone else.