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At the table sits Matthew, the crooked tax collector you see him? That’s him at the corner of the elegant table. Matthew’s face is glowing in the light shining through the window. Yes, that is him smiling, and talking with his friends. Matthew is flanked by his tax-collecting friend and the town drunk. Across the table sits a prostitute, a thief, and Jesus. Yep, that’s right, Jesus of Nazareth, eating and talking and laughing with all of them.
Matthew used to hide in the dark shadow of his tax-collecting booth until Jesus called him and he left his booth behind. Now Matthew sits in The Light. Matthew used to take what did not belong to him, charging more and pocketing the difference, that’s what tax collectors did, and that’s why they were hated. But now Matthew enjoys serving others, the company of his friends, and the undeserved forgiveness reserved for him. Matthew sits with his fellow outcasts enjoying a meal with Jesus.
The Pharisees saw this and were outraged and asked Jesus’ disciples “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” Though they did not ask Jesus, he answered the question for them.
“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Mathew 9:12-13)
If you are perfect, Jesus did not come for you. If you are righteous on your own, Jesus did not come for you either. Jesus came for sinners, he said so. Jesus came for sinners like Matthew, like you, and like me. The Apostle Paul says “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23). Everyone, all of us, has sinned and desperately needs a Savior.
Struggling with greed, and hate? Pull up a seat at Matthew’s table.
Struggling with addiction? Jesus has a seat reserved for you.
Struggling with envy and lust? There is plenty of room.
Struggling with pride and envy? Put your feet up, you will fit right in.
The Apostle Paul states “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8).
Jesus came for you fellow sinner, and I am so thankful He came for both of us. See you Sunday, I can’t wait!
PRAYER: Lord Jesus thank you for dying for me, a poor miserable sinner. Thank you for your love, your sacrificial death, and the remarkable eternal life I have in you. Help us Lord to welcome and invite those who are cast off to come to your table and receive your forgiveness too. AMEN.
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