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Home Matthew 9:9-13 NRSVue

Matthew 9:9-13 NRSVue

9As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax-collection station, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him.

10And as he sat at dinner in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came and were sitting with Jesus and his disciples. 11When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 12But when he heard this, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous but sinners.”

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition (NRSVUE)

“Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.”

Some thoughts on this scripture

Reflection
Lord, I used to think religion was a matter of keeping the rules. But when you walked this earth, you preferred to mix with those who had broken the rules – not because they broke the rules, but because their hearts were open and humble. Dare I say that I can be grateful for my sins? They are carriers of grace.

Reflection
It was unusual for a Rabbi or religious person to dine with sinners or the poor. Some religious people found it difficult that Jesus went among the people everyone else thought were sinners. Jesus himself had no difficulty with that. He went to Matthew’s house and both enjoyed his host’s company and ate with his guests. All he wanted was that the very good religious people would know their need of his healing and mercy too. He knew that unless they knew their own weakness, they would never know the love of the Father. He tried a homely example that you don’t go to the doctor unless you are sick, nor to any health-care person unless you need help. We are all like that - people in need.

Reflection
Jesus desires the merciful heart, a heart like his. Mercy covers over sin and faults; is sees beyond what a person does to who a person is. All of us need the mercy of God for sins and faults and failings. We need also the mercy of each other. We can sacrifice people on the table of mockery, sarcasm or backbiting. Prayer can help us be merciful in word and in deed.

Reflection
As God helps me to look honestly at my life, I realise how much I am in need of help. I am not disheartened because Jesus reminds me that he is most present to those who know their need.

Reflection
People did not expect the tax collectors to be called to be religious disciples. I think of my talents and aptitudes and wonder again how Jesus is calling to life.

Reflection
As I move through this day, I quietly consider how Jesus wants to call all those around me. If I do not understand why, it is because I do not see what Jesus sees.