Matthew 9:9-13
We’ve been studying the disciples of Jesus. These men have constant challenges, failings, and struggles. They were ordinary people. But after Jesus ascended to heaven and these men received the Holy Spirit, they have performed powerful ministries. Today, we will look at how Jesus called Matthew to discipleship.
1. Jesus sought a labeled outcast.
“9 As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth.” Matthew 9:9a.
Matthew was labeled as the tax-collector.
He collected custom duties at the port just outside of Capernaum.
Tax collectors were known to be liars and cheaters because they overcharge the Jews.
They were also treated as traitors as they were employed by Rome.
They were hated by their own people for being cheaters and traitors.
2. Jesus invites only the lowly.
“Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.” Matthew 9:9b.
“6 Though the Lord is exalted, he looks kindly on the lowly; though lofty, he sees them from afar.” Psalm 138:6
Matthew was a lowly person because he never had any pretences.
“27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.” 1 Corinthians 1:27-30
God has the prerogative to choose, a natural consequence of His sovereignty.
Mankind’s freewill is limited by God’s sovereignty.
God prepared Matthew for the call of Jesus to follow.
He never had any 2nd thoughts on following Jesus.
All the disciples have three things in common: they’re all sinners; they’re humbled by Jesus’ call; they have some forms of weaknesses.
From being socially isolated to being with Jesus’ community of disciples.
3. Jesus provides to the lowly.
“10 While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples.11 When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 12 On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Matthew 9:10-13.
Jesus invited Matthew to learn from Him, while for the Pharisees who questioned Him, Jesus said, “Go and learn” for yourself.
Pharisees made spiritual value judgment on someone, based on their own assumed secured spiritual positions.
“But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice. For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
A challenge to the Pharisees to examine their value judgement.
Jesus did not come to save the self-righteous as they don’t rely on Him for salvation.
“31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:31-33.
God will provide for those who live under the Lordship of Jesus.
God will provide for those who are being trained by Jesus.