Matthew 9:9-13, Evidence (9)

The calling of Matthew and the resulting dinner at his home takes place in Capernaum, the same place as the forgiveness and healing of the paralytic.  We would say there is a strong connection between the two stories that is deeper than the town where it all happened.  The calling of Levi shows us that Jesus was not just interested in the forgiveness of one paralyzed man; He desired that all who would come to Him would have their sins sent away.

It was one thing for Jesus to add a tax collector to those who were His disciples.  That was bad in the sight of the religious leadership, and for many of the Jews.  Tax collectors were notoriously dishonest, making most of their money from overcharging people at tax time.

It was another thing for Jesus to go to Matthew’s house and dine with Matthew’s friends and co-workers.  Those are not the categories those people were placed in Jesus’ day.  Both Matthew who is writing this account and the Pharisees call them tax collectors and sinners.  These were people who were not interested in following the dictates of the religious establishment; or even if they were interested, it was assumed they were not capable.  They were outcasts from the religion of Judaism. 

Today we have many sins that are considered socially terrible, in a special class of hated sins.  This list would include abuse of women, child-molestation, people who get rich defrauding others, women who have had abortions, and so forth.  We need to understand that Jesus sought out these people.  He strongly reached out, being willing to dine with them and carry on spiritual conversations, and to treat them as if they were forgiven.  Jesus related to them.  Please note: Webster defines “relate” as “to have a meaningful social relationship.”  Jesus saw Matthew while others only saw a “tax collector.”

We can learn a lot from this.  For one thing, Jesus said that God desires mercy and not sacrifice (see the context in Hosea 6:6).  He is not interested in religious activity without being merciful people.  In Pharisaical religion physical separation from sinners is demanded.  This puts down the sinner and glorifies the hypocrite.  But it misses the heart of Jesus and Christianity.  Jesus did not come to call the righteous, which in the context refers to the self-righteous, those who are convinced they don’t need any salvation.  Jesus actually came to seek the sinners out. 

Note that Jesus came to call them to repentance.  In this context He did not say He called them to faith.  I believe the reason is that He is speaking to hypocrites, those who would tell you they are believers but who have never confessed their sins so that they might repent of their sins.  The “sinners” are quite aware of their sin; they simply need to be shown the door to salvation and they will enter, leaving their sins behind.

Lastly, do not underestimate the power of using your home and the ministry of hospitality in showing sinners the door of salvation.