It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master - Matthew 10.25

New Testament Challenge – Day 2

Matthew 8-12

Since today is also the Feast of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Matthew, we will honor his faith and commitment to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Matthew 9.9-13

As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, "Follow Me." So he arose and followed Him. Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, "Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" When Jesus heard that, He said to them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice.' For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.

As we continue on our journey of preparation for the Feast of Christmas we are reminded today of the His purpose – to unite all people to Himself. What does this mean? In seeking out sinners Jesus is seeking those who have turned away – namely ALL HUMANITY since all have fallen short of the glory of God. (See Romans 3.23) And that means US – you and me!

But when He receives us and we in turn receive other sinners, what is the response of those in the Church? If they respond as the Pharisees did, their fruit will reveal them, “for a tree is known by its fruit.” (Matthew 12.33)

One last thought in honor of sinners and tax collectors…Our Lord give us courage when He says, (Matthew 10.24-33)

A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household! Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.

Have courage my brothers and sisters in Christ because we are all sinners in need of the Great Physician – Christ who’s birth we will celebrate in only 39 days!