Willingly

Between childhood and adulthood, we go through a lengthy process of maturity, well, at least some of us. Part of that maturity might include being more discerning about our relationships, but it should also include more intentionality on our part, recognizing that our friendships can and should serve a purpose. As Christians, we shouldn’t be self-centered in our relationships, seeking to get what we can from associating with others; rather, our relationships with others should be about giving of ourselves in order to bless others—giving the blessings of love, encouragement, and especially, the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Are you willing to make the effort to love those that are “unloveable?” Will you be willing to give love, encouragement, and the Gospel message?

As we kick off this week of Virtual Bible School, we are going to see Jesus willingly and graciously spent time with the outcasts of His own society—those labeled tax collectors and sinners. What’s more, Jesus was derided for these associations when

Pharisees would call Him “a friend of tax collectors and sinners” (Matt. 11:19). Yet Jesus was pleased to be ridiculed in this way because it was part of His mission. He intentionally sought relationships with sinners in order to show them mercy, to give them Himself. If we are to live like Jesus “at all times,” then we will follow in His pattern here. We must be intentional about our relationships for the sake of sharing the gospel. Genuine, faithful love toward others points people to the ultimate Lover, Jesus Christ. Someone was intentional in sharing Christ with you, are ready to share with someone about your relationship with Christ?

Jump back in time to Matthew, a Jewish citizen paid by the enemy (Rome) to gather taxes from his own people, with full permission to pad his pockets by adding extra charges for personal gain. His circle of “friends” included others with the same lifestyle, all generally disliked by everyone else. When Jesus approached Matthew’s tax booth, He had already chosen some of His disciples. (They were with Him when He attended Matthew’s dinner.) Matthew had possibly heard about the miracles this Teacher was performing. The only details we have of Matthew’s call are that Jesus said, “Follow Me,” and Matthew immediately left everything and followed Jesus. The next thing we read about is a dinner party hosted by Matthew. Luke called it a “grand banquet.” (Luke 5:29)  Matthew hosted Jesus, His disciples, and those whom he knew—other tax collectors and sinners. The Pharisees were horrified and didn’t mind saying so. Jesus quickly answered that He had not come for those who were well but for the sick. He challenged them to think about the meaning of the Scripture, “I desire mercy and not sacrifice.” (Hosea 6:6). Jesus knew the self-righteous Pharisees took pride in being church leaders and doing all the right things. But, Jesus emphasized that it is not what we do, but the intentions of our hearts that are important to God. 

Matthew did not seek out Jesus. Jesus met Matthew where he was. Matthew didn’t earn this chosen spot. Jesus chose Matthew to follow Him.  Following Jesus gave Matthew the opportunity to see firsthand what Jesus was all about. He documented that evidence in his writings, which point repeatedly to Jesus as the Messiah promised in Old Testament Scripture. Tax collector Matthew, whose secular job would have involved accurate record keeping, turned those skills into formatting a gospel of accurate record keeping proof. Jesus’ love changed Matthew. It changes us too.

As we open God’s Word this coming Sunday in Matthew 9:9-13 to “Read, Learn and Apply” my prayer is that we realize what these Pharisees didn't realize—that we are all sinners in need of God's grace and mercy. We take seriously the words of Jesus: "Those who are well don't need a doctor, but the sick do" (v. 12). Sick people clearly need a doctor, but sinful people desperately need a Redeemer. This is why Jesus came. To make clear He has come to change sinners' hearts, not to prop up people who think they are righteous through their religious traditions and ritualistic worship. He came for all that call upon Him, both the lovable and unloveable. Are you willing to make the effort to love those that are “unloveable?” Will you be willing to give love, encouragement, and the Gospel message?

Serving Him and Missing You!
Pastor Jeff