Daily Devotional
"And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples."
Matthew 9:10
Luke tells us this was Matthew’s house and that he threw Jesus a great feast. Look at the guest list. Not the town officials, not the synagogue leaders, but “many tax collectors and sinners.” The word “sinners” here does not describe ordinary people who were careless about Pharisaic rules. It describes the notorious: the swindlers, the gamblers, the prostitutes, the people respectable folks crossed the street to avoid. Those were Matthew’s people, and the first thing he did after meeting Jesus was gather them around the table so they could meet Him too.
That instinct is not unique to Matthew. When Andrew met Jesus, he went and found his brother Simon (John 1:41). When Philip met Him, he went and told Nathanael, “Come and see” (John 1:46). The first thing that happens when you truly meet Jesus is that you want your friends to meet Jesus. Evangelism did not begin with a program. It began with a dinner party.
In that culture, to share a meal was to share a life. To eat with someone said, “I accept you; you are with me.” So when Jesus reclined at Matthew’s table, He was not merely tolerating these people. He was publicly identifying with them. The Son of God was saying to the worst people in town, “I am with you.” That is the same thing He says to every sinner who comes to Him, including you.
Today's Challenge
Who were "your people" before you knew Christ? Have you ever invited them to meet Him? When was the last time you opened your home or your table to someone who does not look, act, or believe like you?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You sat down at a table full of people everyone else avoided, and You did not flinch. Thank You that You eat with sinners, because I am one. Give me Matthew's joy, the kind that cannot wait to introduce my friends to You. Show me whom to invite this week, and give me the courage to open my door. Amen.
