 This week we remember the call of Matthew. Matthew 9:9-13 As we do Jesus reminds us of the great mercy of God. As always Jesus is in trouble with the Pharisees for mixing with sinners and tax collectors. Doesn’t he know that these folk are not worthy of God’s love? If Jesus wants to be taken seriously as a religious leader then he really should be more careful of who he hangs out with. You can’t expect God to extend his mercy to just anyone you know. But Jesus wants them to know that this is exactly the point. God’s mercy is unlimited and is for everyone! To be merciful is to show kindness and forgiveness to another regardless of whether or not it is deserved. This is something that Jesus wants all of us to learn. Lamentations 3:22-23 says that “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, In calling Matthew, a tax collector of all people, Jesus demonstrates this mercy in the most visible of ways. The good news of this Gospel is that if Matthew is worthy of Jesus call to follow then so too are we. “Follow me”, says Jesus to Matthew, and in responding to Jesus’ call his life is changed forever. “Follow me”, says Jesus to you and me. Not because we’re good enough, not because we have earned it, but simply because he loves us and wants us to know life. “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.” Matthew 9:12 Jesus came to bring healing to the world and his will for each of us, is that we would know the kind of wholeness, healing, transformation and life that can only come from him. That’s why he calls Matthew to follow and that’s why he calls us too. So what will you do with his call? The choice is up to you. Till next time. Andrew Download this week's Pew Sheet Download this week's sermon Comments are closed.
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Rev. Andrew SmithVicar of Light in the Hills |