Read Matthew 9:9-13
Not much has changed in 2,000 years since this episode with Matthew or Levi transpired. Tax collectors are still hated. Tax collectors are still frowned upon and disliked!! But in Jesus’ day tax collectors often collected more than they should and they lined their own pockets. Added to that, they gave the money to a foreign ruler. Imagine paying taxes (which we all reluctantly agree that are useful and helpful) and seeing that money go abroad to India or Africa or China or even America. It just adds fuel to the fire, doesn’t it.
Even so, as Jesus passes the tax booth He calls Levi to follow Himself. Levi arises and immediately follows Jesus. He immediately throws a party in honour of Jesus and invites his fellow tax collectors and sinner friends. The Pharisees watch what’s happening and comment. They even ask the disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?’
Jesus then addresses their concerns. He says, ‘I have not come to call the righteous but sinners.’ God’s love is so great, so immense and so far reaching that it calls and renews sinners, the dirty and unclean, as they repent and believe in Jesus. God has no interest in saving the self righteous or those who think they deserve salvation. God reaches out to the no hopers, the broken and down trodden. God holds out His hand to those who are so deep in the pit that they know they are unworthy. God knows that the sick need a doctor not the healthy and He has sent His Son Jesus to save those who are sick.
Prayer:-
à Praise and thank God for the ladies who have faithfully come each month to Itchin’ 4 Stitching.
à All glory be given to God for the quilts completed for the Teen Challenge Girls facility.
à Give thanks that quilts are being made for the children at Fresh Hope.
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