Made qualified for kingdom citizenship

Rev Enoch Thompson | March 15, 2023 | Matthew 9:9:13

KEY VERSE:

¹²On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. ¹³But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners" Matt 9:12-13 (NIV)

MESSAGE:

The Lord Jesus called Matthew who was busy at his post as a tax collector to follow Him, and he responds beautifully by leaving everything to follow the Lord. Subsequently, Matthew throws a party to celebrate his new friendship with the Saviour, and to bring his friends and family to get to meet this wonderful Teacher. We learn from the case of Matthew that we do not need to make excuses and prolong our responses when we have heard from God’s invitation to us for a closer walk or some divine assignment.

Matthew showed his appreciation for the privilege of his call by throwing a meal for his new Master Jesus, to which he invited his friends who attended in their numbers. The scenario of the Lord Jesus and his disciples sitting and sharing a meal with tax collectors who were called sinners in their culture, for many wrongs they represented in their culture, became an opportunity for the detractors of the Lord to raise issues against Him, through his disciples. They intended to accuse the Lord of impurity by his association with sinners, and maybe to lure his disciples away after them.

The Pharisees who kept physical distance from the “sinners” accused the Lord of mingling with the unclean because they thought themselves better than those they condemned. They did not understand the grace of God for which the sinner is a welcome guest at the table of the holy God. When the Lord heard their complaint He responded, "¹²It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. ¹³But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' a For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." (Matthew 9:12-13). The ministry of the Lord was one of repentance and forgiveness to those who repented. We must always remember to think and sing with the 19th century Charlotte Elliot,

Just as I am, without one plea,

But that Thy blood was shed for me,

And that Thou bid’st me come to Thee,

O Lamb of God, I come! I come!

FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:

Yes, we may come to the Lord Jesus no matter how wrongly we have lived. He only requires of us that we turn away from sin (repent), and follow Him truly. Then He forgives us and shares fellowship with us. Have you turned from sin and sinful living, and pledged to follow the Lord Jesus? You are a welcome member of the family, a member of the Kingdom of God.

PRAYER:

Lord Jesus Christ, thank you that you accept me just as I am, and make me worthy of your holy company. All praise and honour to you. May I reach out to other people with your saving grace and enjoy the new life and privilege you give. For your dear Name’s sake, Amen.

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!