Matthew 9:1-17

Be Still: Holy Spirit, open my mind to the word today; the way you are speaking. As I read today, help me see God’s heart for mercy.

Read: Matthew 9:1-17

While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?’ On hearing this, Jesus said, ‘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.' (vv10-13)

Encounter:  We find Jesus sitting at a dinner table surrounded by people who, in that society, had terrible reputations – tax collectors, outcasts, the so-called ‘sinners.’ The religious leaders can’t believe what they’re seeing. To them, holiness meant separation from people like that.

But Jesus flips the whole idea upside down. He says, ‘It’s not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.’

In other words: ‘I came for the messy, the hurting, the ones who don’t have it all together.’

That’s good news for every one of us. Because no matter how long we’ve been following Jesus, we still need his grace. And it’s a reminder that faith isn’t about performing for God or pretending to be ‘good enough’ – it’s about drawing near to the One who heals us.

Apply: I wonder if you ever find yourself taking the viewpoint of the religious leaders, mistakenly thinking you are fairly sorted or worthy of a seat at the table. The miracle of salvation is about us standing in the truth that we are not worthy, much like those that Jesus invited to the meal here; but because of what Jesus has done for us, we are made whole. 

And here’s the challenge: if we follow Jesus, we’re called to love like he does. That means making room at our own tables for people others might avoid. Not just the polished or easy-to-love, but the ones still figuring things out – the way we all are.

Think of someone you know who feels far from God, or someone who wouldn’t expect to be invited. How could you show them kindness and include them this week?

Devote: Lord Jesus, thank you for loving me at my worst and welcoming me to your table. Help me to see others through your eyes – with mercy, not judgment. Make my life a place where people feel seen, accepted, and loved.