Blake Allen, Dunbar Cave Campus Pastor, LHBC
Matthew 9:9-13
“9 As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.
10 And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. 11 And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 12 But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners .”
Growing up as a kid I used to play basketball after school or during P.E. And each time, two captains were selected to pick people they wanted on their team. I was fairly decent so I was never the last pick. But I do remember a time where the last picked guy was one of the best players. He was new to the area and no one knew he could play ball. Based on looks, they decided he probably was not the best athlete. And boy, were the captains wrong that day. The last pick was the best player.
As Jesus was walking along he came across Matthew. Matthew was hated by the Jews because of his trade. As a tax collector who took advantage of the Jews, he had a negative reputation. Nobody liked this guy or wanted him as a friend. And then Jesus comes along and invited Him to become a disciple.
The last pick, the least likely was selected by Christ to be on His team. Matthew was not selected because of his looks. He was not selected because of his talent. He was not invited because of his popularity. He was simply offered the mercy of Christ and invited to be a part of God’s team.
We are so bad and untalented when it comes to righteousness. We all have fallen short of the glory of God. We were all sinners in need of a savior. And yet, Christ came to save and redeem us. He invites us to be His disciples and wants to use you in His mission of giving hope to the world. You don’t have to have all the answers. You don’t have to be the most talented. He just calls you to be faithful and walk with Him each day.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for the grace we have in Christ. Lord we are thankful that we are not just an afterthought but you created us on purpose and want to use us for your purpose. Help us to be faithful and follow you for the rest of our days. In Jesus’ name, amen!