As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man named ### sitting at his tax collector's booth. "Follow me and be my disciple," Jesus said to him. So ### got up and followed him.
—Matthew 9:9 NLT
Not only does Jesus have the authority to forgive sins, he also has the authority to call sinners to follow him. Fortunately, some respond with a change of heart and behavior and follow. A classic example is ###, the tax collector — tax collectors in Jesus day were renowned for using their position for personal gain and were viewed as traitors who sold out to the Roman occupiers. ### 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. ###'s response is a great reminder that many sinners are looking for a Savior. All they need is someone to show them how to get him.
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.
Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by ### and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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—Matthew 9:9 NLT
Key Thought
Not only does Jesus have the authority to forgive sins, he also has the authority to call sinners to follow him. Fortunately, some respond with a change of heart and behavior and follow. A classic example is ###, the tax collector — tax collectors in Jesus day were renowned for using their position for personal gain and were viewed as traitors who sold out to the Roman occupiers. ### 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. ###'s response is a great reminder that many sinners are looking for a Savior. All they need is someone to show them how to get him.
Today's 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 Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by ### and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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