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
Matthew, we celebrate your day today!
Amazingly, Jesus called you, a tax collector,
a sinner, saying, “Follow me.”
Taking leave of your fortune you did, and dined
with the Lord.
Troubled that Jesus would eat with the likes of
you, the Pharisees howled!
Healing hearts and spirits, however, was priority
for your Savior.
Extending God’s mercy to you and all outcasts,
Jesus welcomed you into the Kingdom.
Wonder of wonders, you became a leader in the church,
a disciple, St. Matthew, telling the Good News
through the Gospel which shares your name.
! So Jesus calls each of us to discipleship, in mercy
embracing us warts and all!
Prayer
Loving Savior, You saw Matthew’s future: his life restored to be Your disciple. Help us to trust You to renew us, so that we may live as Your disciples, too. Amen.