Slices
Prepare
Reflect on your own ‘coming to Jesus’ story. How can you celebrate that beautiful mystery today?
Bible passage
The calling of Matthew
9 As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. ‘Follow me,’ he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.
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 those who are ill. 13 But go and learn what this means: “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.’
Explore
I sometimes wonder if not growing up in a Christian home made it easier for me to take hold of Jesus. I cling to Jesus because I know the ‘new’ he has made in me. Jesus offered something so alluring and fresh, and such a contrast to the old me. Perhaps, as with Matthew (v 9), when we are keen to leave the past that is stale, it is easier to jump in fully to the new.
What a wonderful story of Matthew’s calling to follow Jesus, which we also read in Mark 2:14 and Luke 5:27, where he is called Levi. As a follower of Jesus, it is likely that he was given the new name of Matthew, meaning ‘Gift of God’. Because he was. A new person seeking to live God’s way. We are all encouraged by a life thus transformed.
Have you wondered why the dinner party was so noteworthy? I wonder if Matthew is celebrating his new life and inviting his friends to come and meet Jesus. The Pharisees question the behaviour of Jesus (v 11), but Jesus calls out this view (vs 12,13).
How are we with Jesus today? Like Matthew, are we partnering with Jesus in transforming his struggling world into kingdom on earth? God has not given up, so that is where the party is!
Respond
‘But go and learn what this means: “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.’
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Numbers 20,21; Acts 20
Pray for Scripture Union
Pray for central Team Leader Dom Conidi as he speaks at a conference for people working with children and young people. Ask God that as Dom shares something of the Revealing Jesus mission framework, God will encourage and inspire all who are there.
