Matthew 9:9-13 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 9:9-13 on biblegateway.com
Verse 9As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, "Follow me." And he got up and followed him. Verse 10And as he sat at dinner in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came and were sitting with him and his disciples. Verse 11When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" Verse 12But when he heard this, he said, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Verse 13Go and learn what this means, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners."
Devotion
The name Matthew and the title “tax collector” probably seemed inseparable. When Matthew signed on with the Romans to collect taxes, his identity became focused on his profession. It was a lucrative position. It was also more than a little controversial.
Then a remarkable thing happened. A man named Jesus walked by. We don’t know how much Matthew knew about the teacher from Nazareth. We do know that when Jesus said, “Follow me,” Matthew did.
No one’s story is exactly like Matthew’s. But similar stories happen every day. I would guess that many of the people now enrolled in seminary could tell a story or two about a call to “Follow me.” Every congregation has members who are there because they heard a similar call.
And it’s a call that comes every day:
“Follow me.”
What does that call mean for us today?
Prayer
Even though we would like to know “where” or “why” when you call, “Follow me,” Lord, help us to trust that following you will take us where we need to be, where others need us to be, and where you will bring greatest fullness to our lives. Amen.