Reaching Sinners and Tax Collectors

Topic: Mercy
Passage: Matthew 9:1–13

March 19, 2022

Commentary

When Jesus returned to Capernaum (v. 1), four men carrying a paralyzed man on a mat were unable to get to him because of the density of the crowd. They resorted to lowering him through the roof to where Jesus was. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the crippled man, “Don’t worry, your sins are forgiven” (v. 2). Even though this man had great physical need Jesus dealt with the sin problem first, for this is always the greatest need. Jesus was labeled a blasphemer by the religious leaders in attendance because He claimed to forgive sins (v. 3). Knowing their thoughts Jesus asked them whether it is easier to forgive sins or to heal a crippled man. Jesus had power over sickness and sin (vv. 4-5). Jesus told the man to arise and return home with his bed, and the man did just that (vv. 6-8). Fear and wonder swept through the crowd because of Christ’s authority.

As Jesus was going down the street, He saw Matthew collecting taxes at a booth and invited him to be His disciple. Matthew immediately closed his booth and began to follow the Lord (v. 9). Not long after this Matthew held a dinner at his house and invited Jesus and His disciples along with Matthew’s friends: tax collectors and sinners (v. 10). Matthew wanted to introduce them to the Savior. The Jews hated tax collectors because they collected money to support the Romans and often took more than necessary. Pharisees asked Jesus why He was eating with them (v. 11). Jesus’s response was that only sick people need a doctor, and his ministry was directed toward those who realized they had a need (v. 12). The Pharisees did not think they were sinners (sick) and they did not have any compassion toward sinners. Jesus said, “I desire mercy and not sacrifice.” and “He did not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance” (v. 13). God wants our hearts to be turned toward Him, not merely lip service. He wants our genuine devotion, a change in lifestyle.

Application

When is the last time I have had dinner with someone the Pharisees would label as a sinner? There are many around me who are just like the tax collectors and sinners of Jesus' day. How will they ever come to know the Savior if I don’t show an interest in them and be a person who demonstrates mercy toward them.

Matthew 9:1– 13 (NET)

1 After getting into a boat he crossed to the other side and came to his own town. 2 Just then some people brought to him a paralytic lying on a stretcher. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Have courage, son! Your sins are forgiven.” 3 Then some of the experts in the law said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming!” 4 When Jesus perceived their thoughts he said, “Why do you respond with evil in your hearts? 5 Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven’ or to say, ‘Stand up and walk’? 6 But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—then he said to the paralytic —“Stand up, take your stretcher, and go home.” 7 So he stood up and went home. 8 When the crowd saw this, they were afraid and honored God who had given such authority to men.

9 As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax booth. “Follow me,” he said to him. So he got up and followed him. 10 As Jesus was having a meal in Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with Jesus and his disciples. 11 When the Pharisees saw this they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 12 When Jesus heard this he said, “Those who are healthy don’t need a physician, but those who are sick do. 13 Go and learn what this saying means: ‘I want mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”