Matthew 9:9-13 9 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. 10 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. 11 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 12 When Jesus heard that, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 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.
When Jesus walked the earth his teachings were radical and transformative. His approach in reaching and connecting with people was not based on man-made traditions or customs but one of love and compassion. By inviting one man to follow him Jesus attracted others. The religious leaders during that time didn’t understand or approve of Jesus talking and eating with sinners. To them, sinners were sinners and they had their place. They were not holy or righteous or deserved to be in the presence of those that were.
Jesus response brought a greater understanding of the love and mercy of our heavenly Father. His desire is to see sinners come to repentance and be transformed by the renewing of their minds and the conversion of their heart. Jesus did not shun anyone from his presence. At his table there is room for everyone that is seeking truth, repentance, mercy, deliverance, healing and guidance.
As believers, we should live in such a way that our light attract those that are still seeking. We should never shy away from an opportunity to talk, minister and break bread with unbelievers. We cannot forget that we were once sinners in need of a savior. God is looking for willing vessels to continue the work of Jesus Christ. Similarly, we should never turn away anyone that is willing to listen to the hope we carry.
There are sinners out there that God wants to reach through you. It is crystal clear that we are commissioned to reach all that are lost, broken, hurting, and in darkness. Let us follow the example of Jesus and seize the opportunity to extend salvation. They should all know the joy, peace and love we received through the amazing redemptive blood of Jesus Christ when we accepted him as our Lord and personal savior. So the next time God shows you an opportunity to extend his invitation of salvation don’t be afraid or apprehensive, remember unbelievers need Jesus too.
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