Matthew is always listed as one of the Twelve in the New Testament. He was a tax collector who Jesus asked to follow him. Tax collectors were collaborators with the hated Romans, and people suspected that they committed fraud by taking a cut for themselves. When Matthew had Jesus to his house for dinner, the Pharisees criticized Jesus for eating with tax collectors and sinners. Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.”

Jesus came for the sake of everyone, not just the “special” people. Some Christians have difficulty understanding that. Years ago I visited a church for a choir concert. A disheveled man slumped down in the pew in front of me. In minutes a team of four ushers marched to his pew and escorted him out a side door. I was appalled.

Regretfully, I’ve been appalled many times since. In my years as a pastor people have objected to a teenager who wore shorts to services, a little boy who fidgeted in church, a woman who suffered from cerebral palsy, and an Ethiopian family who dared to join the congregation.

I don’t understand how this Pharisaic attitude crept into the church. I am amazed that Christ would die for me, a sinner. I am astonished that he called me to follow him with all my faults and shortcomings. How could I dare to judge anyone else?

Matthew reminds us how Christ’s invitation can come to anyone. How blessed we are by that gracious call.

Read Matthew 9:9-13 and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Wayne