Matthew 9:4-13 Jesus Calls Matthew

Matthew was a tax collector. Tax collectors were despised by the Jewish people because they represented the Roman government and were often dishonest. They would charge extra taxes, pay a flat rate to Rome and pocket the rest. On top of that, Matthew was a Levite. The Levites were the chosen tribe of Israel to represent the nation and from them they chose those who would serve in the temple, making him even more despicable to his people. But Jesus calls him to follow. At a party, probably Matthew’s farewell party in his own house, Jesus and his disciples share a meal with tax collectors and sinners. Table fellowship in Israel was reserved for people in the in-group. The mere act of entering the house of a pagan made the person unclean and sharing a meal with them was unthinkable. When the Pharisees question the reasons for fellowshipping with them, Jesus explains using three sayings.

The first one is a metaphor: as the sick needs a doctor, so sinners need a Savior. The second one is a quote from Hosea where Jesus exalts mercy over sacrifice. Hosea indicted the people of God for being unfaithful to the covenant as they oppressed and murdered their neighbors. Mercy is the readiness to help those who are afflicted and in need out of compassion. Rituals and ceremonies mean nothing to God unless it is performed by a heart that desires to serve and obey the covenant. The third saying refers to Jesus’ mission. He came into the world precisely for this: to call on sinners and not on those who perceive themselves to be righteous. Jesus’ mission is to call on all of us sinners of the world to show us mercy by healing our sinful souls so that we might learn to show mercy unto others.

Matthew found mercy in Jesus. To follow Jesus is to accept his mercy. Jesus has great compassion for us and desires to help us with our miserable plight as sinners. But accepting his mercy is not to receive alms that provide a temporary relief to our condition leaving us as we are. To follow Jesus is to hear his call upon us as sinners and to respond with repentance to experience his healing power over our sinful souls. Matthew was totally transformed by God’s mercy leaving a despicable life behind. And Matthew learned to show mercy to his fellow tax collectors as he invited them to meet Jesus.

Father, thank you for sending Jesus into the world to show us mercy. Help me live in eternal gratitude for healing my soul. Teach me your ways that I may live showing mercy unto others as well.