Key Passage
When Jesus was leaving, he saw a man named Matthew. Matthew was sitting at his place for collecting taxes. Jesus said to him, "Follow me." Then Matthew stood up and followed Jesus.
— Matthew 9:9 ERV (Read Full Text)
Key Thought
Not only does Jesus have the authority to forgive sins, he has the authority to command sinners to follow and they follow. They respond with a change of heart and behavior. A classic example is Matthew the tax collector—tax collectors in Jesus day were renowned for using their position for personal gain and were associated with traitors who sold out to the Roman occupiers. He is a great witness that Jesus cares for all and goes in search of all. He is a great reminder that redemptive love allows no cultural or social barriers to love. Matthew's response is the great reminder that many sinners are looking for a Savior. All they need is someone to show them how to get him.
Prayer
Holy and merciful God, thank you for coming to this world to save sinners. I thank you for the grace you've given to me. Please help me be more gracious to others and come closer to your grace and forgiveness. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Related Scriptures
Jesus said, "Today is the day for this family to be saved from sin. Yes, even this tax collector is one of God's chosen people ! The Son of Man came to find lost people and save them."
— Luke 19:9-10
{Why do I say people are like that?} Because John came, and he did not eat {like other people} or drink wine. And people say, 'He has a demon inside him.' The Son of Man came eating {like other people} and drinking wine, and people say, 'Look at him! He eats too much and drinks too much wine. He is a friend of tax collectors and other bad people.' But wisdom is shown to be right by the things it does."
— Matthew 11:18-19
Jesus heard this, and he said to them, "Healthy people don't need a doctor. It is the sick people that need a doctor. I did not come to invite good people. I came to invite sinners."
— Mark 2:17
Devotional provided by Heartlight®
© 1996-2017. All rights reserved.
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When Jesus was leaving, he saw a man named Matthew. Matthew was sitting at his place for collecting taxes. Jesus said to him, "Follow me." Then Matthew stood up and followed Jesus.
— Matthew 9:9 ERV (Read Full Text)
Key Thought
Not only does Jesus have the authority to forgive sins, he has the authority to command sinners to follow and they follow. They respond with a change of heart and behavior. A classic example is Matthew the tax collector—tax collectors in Jesus day were renowned for using their position for personal gain and were associated with traitors who sold out to the Roman occupiers. He is a great witness that Jesus cares for all and goes in search of all. He is a great reminder that redemptive love allows no cultural or social barriers to love. Matthew's response is the great reminder that many sinners are looking for a Savior. All they need is someone to show them how to get him.
Prayer
Holy and merciful God, thank you for coming to this world to save sinners. I thank you for the grace you've given to me. Please help me be more gracious to others and come closer to your grace and forgiveness. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Related Scriptures
Jesus said, "Today is the day for this family to be saved from sin. Yes, even this tax collector is one of God's chosen people ! The Son of Man came to find lost people and save them."
— Luke 19:9-10
{Why do I say people are like that?} Because John came, and he did not eat {like other people} or drink wine. And people say, 'He has a demon inside him.' The Son of Man came eating {like other people} and drinking wine, and people say, 'Look at him! He eats too much and drinks too much wine. He is a friend of tax collectors and other bad people.' But wisdom is shown to be right by the things it does."
— Matthew 11:18-19
Jesus heard this, and he said to them, "Healthy people don't need a doctor. It is the sick people that need a doctor. I did not come to invite good people. I came to invite sinners."
— Mark 2:17
Devotional provided by Heartlight®
© 1996-2017. All rights reserved.
