Matthew has just met Jesus. His life has changed more than he realizes, but he is about to get a glimpse of it based on the Pharisees' behavior.
He has Jesus over for dinner. He also invites some of his friends, people he works with (tax collectors) and so forth. In religious circles, these guys aren't considered the "proper" people to hang out with. So when they see Jesus hanging out with "the sinners," they declare their disapproval.
And we think that is something new - church people being stupid. Apparently it's been going on forever.
You gotta love how Jesus responds to their question of why he is hanging with Matthew and his friends. "The healthy don't need a doctor. The sick do. I didn't come for you. I came for them. Think on that a while." (my paraphrase)Just this week, I've seen an example of this same mindset in a local church. I want to say, "Yo, people. When was the last time you read Matthew 9. Go do some catching up on who you think Jesus wants you to be. Think on that a while. Stop being rude and self-righteous. Get off your high horse and love others more than yourself. Learn some manners. Sit down with the sick and watch yourself really reflect the God you say you follow."
I'm glad Matthew didn't let this experience keep him from following Jesus. He seems to have learned that keeping his eyes on Jesus and not people, including the religious ones, allowed him to best reflect Jesus. Thank you, Matthew, for ignoring the rude and self-righteous and for loving those that Jesus loved.






