Matthew 9:10-11

Matthew 9:10-11 (ESV): “10 And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. 11 And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?””

When the people of God want nothing to do with sinners, we cease to walk in the footsteps of Jesus. He loves sinners and desires to see them saved—and we should too.

After Jesus called Matthew the tax collector to be His disciple, He gathered with a large group of tax collectors and sinners, who were presumably Matthew’s friends. The Pharisees saw this and were confused. They asked the disciples why Jesus would spend time with such people. Overhearing them, Jesus replied, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.” Jesus came to save sinners.

How do you view the sinners around you? Do you see them as a mission field or as people to avoid? Jesus said, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners” (v. 13). We are called to be His witnesses to those in need of a physician. How can we do that if we keep them at arm’s length?  Get in the game, Christian. There is a lost world to reach. Don’t be a Pharisee—be like Jesus.

Father, we thank You for sending someone to us when we were estranged from You. Help us to be that person to another lost sinner. Here am I, send me. In Jesus’ name, amen.