Matthew 9: 11-13
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.”
Jesus demonstrated God’s acceptance of all to the people of his time. By seeking out and spending time with people who were known to be sinners, Jesus gave us a perfect example. We all need God’s love, guidance and shelter. All are accepted into this family. So, in turn, we should accept those who are different from us. Whether it is how they look, act, believe, speak, walk or talk, all are accepted by God and are part of His creation.
Lord, help me to be accepting of others. I am uncomfortable sometimes around people who are very different from myself. Open my eyes to our “sameness” and help me to embrace our differences as we walk toward you. Amen
Becky, transforming
Monday July 11th, 2022
Matthew 9:11-13
And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
The Pharisees were always so sure they had all the answers. the Pharisees despised Christ, because they thought themselves holy, calling the people Jesus associated with as lowlifes. These kind of people probably would never be saved because they have no idea what Jesus came to earth to…
Matthew 9:11–13 This is certainly a lesson for us today. All around us we see division. Jesus also saw that division but he didn’t embrace those differences as the Pharisees had. His example was love and acceptance and mercy. We need to start focusing on our sameness not our differences. I know that is easy to say and very difficult to do, but as followers of Jesus, we must try. Prayer: gracious God, open my eyes to the sameness of those I fear. May I be an example to others. Amen
Matthew 9:11-13 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.”
The righteous did not need to be converted. Jesus had come to save all, but especially those who did not know Christ. I am a sinner and Jesus is there for me always having my back and giving me all that is necessary to succeed. All I need to do is ask.
Dearest Lord, you give me the grace…
Matthew 9: 11-13 “it is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.” The church is a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints. One of the members of a men’s group I meet with on Saturday has a perfect response to people who say they don’t go to church because “it is full of hypocrites.” He simply says, “Right you are and there’s always room for one more. Come joins us to try and get better.” We are sinners saved by grace and need to remember that when encountering sin in others.
Prayer - Merciful God, give me a heart of acceptance that keeps the door of Your Kingdom open to all. Amen
TAA