Connections that Count |March 23, 2021
Read
Matthew 9:9-13
Jesus Calls Matthew
9 As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed him.
10 Later, Matthew invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. 11 But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with such scum?[”
12 When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.” 13 Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”
Reflect
- What kind of people joined Jesus and his new follower for dinner?
- What was Jesus’ response to the Pharisees?
- What did Jesus say He had come to the earth to do?
Apply
- How can you cultivate a relationship with a non-Christian friend this week?
- What can you do to remind yourself to view others as they can be, instead of seeing only their faults?
Video
I Will Follow by Chris Tomlin
Pray
Lord, you are the God of transformation. We hold firmly to your declaration recorded in Revelation 21:5, “And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also, he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Continue your transformative work within me and help me to see others the same way that you see them. Help me to be intentional this week in showing Christ love to people in my life that don’t yet know you. Thank you! In Jesus Name, Amen.
