Mathew 9: 10—13
While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with Him and His disciples. 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.”
--NIV In the name of the One Who eats with sinners, amen.
Perhaps you have heard someone say they don’t bother coming to church because the church is full of hypocrites. Of course, the question that should be asked of such a person is, “Where should hypocrites be?” This week we look at how God wants us to be merciful. It is natural for people to be confused by the sinful behavior of people in the church. What is natural for human beings is to try to live up to God’s Law in order to be considered worthy in God’s sight. For that reason many people, inside and outside of the church think that a persons life must be perfect if they are going to claim the name Christian.
But people who look to their own ability to keep God’s Law have no real place for Jesus. At the most He can only be someone who showed us the way. Yet Jesus tells us that He is more than someone who shows the way; He is the way.
So, if you sometimes find yourself thinking, “Why does pastor even bother with those people?” or, “Look at them! Here in church on Sunday, but fighting like a cat and a dog all week long,” or any other similar thoughts; recognize that for the sin it is. It is sin as Jesus points out in our passage for today. It is sinful not to show mercy when God desires mercy. Be merciful to people. Do not try to judge their hearts, but take them at their word when they tell you they are a repentant Christian. Then come and eat with Jesus, since He came for sinners like yourself. Amen.
Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, Your in Your great mercy came for people who recognize that they are not perfect and holy. Forgive us for judging others where You Yourself do not judge. Have mercy upon us and do not judge us according to our sins. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit so that we may glorify Your name for the mercy that You show to sinners, amen.