Mat 9:9-13; While We Are Sinners, Christ Calls Us.

Wednesday November 6, 2024

Intro: All religion seeks to answer the question: How can a man be just with God? 

This was especially true, and vigorously pursued by the Rabbinism of the first century in Judea and associated synagogues around the areas in the north (Galilee). 

There is the question of sin and what is the relation of the sinner to God? Which things are sins and which ones were worse than others? Can a sinner stand before God? Can a sinner enter the kingdom of heaven? If so, is it true of all sinners? What about the worst ones? 

To understand the call of Matthew, we need to understand how the religious leaders of the time understood and attempted to answer these questions. 

The rabbis, Pharisees, Sadducees and scribes had all, in slightly varying degrees, concluded that righteousness came by the law (Rom 10:1-5). 

So the religious leaders had developed a process of repentance. Repentance and then acceptance. 

No welcoming of sinners. Repentance first.

No help for the sinner. He must help himself first.

Mat 9:9-13. 

Matthew background: Interlude #2 in Mat 8-9. 

Interlude #1 was the development of disciples - follow Jesus into the boat. 

Interlude #2 is also about following and therefore disciples, but this time in the context of controversy. If you follow, the world will fight against it. 

Matthew is a custom house official, making him a higher up tax collector in the tax collecting organization of the Romans. He is hated, seen as unclean, a traitor, unable to commune with Israel, and just about an impossible candidate for repentance.

Matthew’s calling: Since his custom house was by the shore, Matthew very likely would have already heard Jesus preach several times; Mar 2:13-14. 

The calling of the fishermen (4:18-22) and Matthew are during their work. In everyday life He calls people right there in the middle of their work. Do you know how to tactfully evangelize in the places where you spend most of your time.

Jesus invites all and they come by faith - parable of the wedding feast (Mat 22:1-14; Rom 5:6, 8, 10). 

The difference between the repentance of rabbinic Judaism of the time and the invitation of Christ is beautiful to behold.

Christ is not fellowshipping with sin, but He is inviting sinners, helping sinners, dining with them - sharing salt with them. 

We have to distinguish our sanctification from our love that reaches out to save all.

Hos 6:6, Jesus interprets chesed (lovingkindness) as mercy (blessed are the merciful). Covenant love is mercy to all through invitation. 

When we come to Christ by faith, then we learn all that the Pharisees wanted - the law, but not in their way, nor at their superficial level, but the heart of the law (Mat 5:17-20). 

We repent in one way at salvation, changing our minds about Christ and our need of Him. After salvation as we follow Him, we repent of a million things as we learn wisdom. 

The grace of God changes any rock-hard sinful heart to moldable clay, so that then, real wisdom can begin. 

Should I isolate myself from sinners? 

Instructions about not being with the wicked are certainly present: Psa 1:1; 26:4-5; Jer 15:17. 

Church discipline in 1Co 5:9-13. 

Here is our challenge and application.  

Since there was nothing good in you that caused the Lord to call you, call all to Christ without bias or judgment, but with mercy. 

Learn to be a tactful evangelist in the places where you spend most of your public time.