Our Focus Bible reading for this Sunday is: Matthew 9:9-13
The Gospel narrates Matthew’s calling as a disciple and Jesus’ controversial banquet with tax collectors and sinners. This passage highlights how Jesus challenges the religious norms of his day to prioritize compassion and the rescue of marginalized and rejected people. Matthew hosts a dinner party at his home where Jesus shares the table with other tax collectors and sinners, a socially marginalized group. The religious authorities reject this behavior and question the disciples why their Master eats with people of bad reputation. Jesus replies that “the healthy do not need a physician, but the sick.” Jesus quotes the Old Testament (Hosea 6:6), asking them to learn the meaning of “I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,” emphasizing that compassion and love are worth more than the fulfillment of external rituals. Yet even a rapid reading of the gospels will reveal that Jesus never plays down this call. He never tried to convince us that following was an easy or a simple task. There is effort here; there is sacrifice demanded; struggle and lifelong commitment are needed. It’s not just to come to church a few Sundays to fulfill and then not return. That is not the call Jesus refers to in the Gospels. So, what is required of those of us who seek to be disciples of Jesus Christ? How do you hear, or feel, God’s call on your life? How have you overcome difficulties? This Sunday, and perhaps the following Sundays, let us hear and respond to Jesus’ call. Even when that call scares us or challenges us.
We will be praying for you and your family. Please include us in your prayers as well.
Almighty God, today, I once again take up my cross and follow you. Shake us of our complacency. May your word pour out of us like water to the thirst, and may our lives be full of the fruit of the Spirit. All we are and have we have given back to you with open hands knowing that all our needs you will meet as we go with you. Today I take up my cross and follow you. In Jesus Name, Amen.
See you at worship!