Friday 21 September 2007
- Bible Book:
- Matthew
When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, 'Why does your teacher eat with tax-collectors and sinners? But when he heard this, he said, 'Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, "I desire mercy, not sacrifice". For I have come to call not the righteous, but sinners'". (v.10-13)
Background
Jesus was a Jew; and Jews believed that as the Chosen People,God would work through them. They further believed that in orderfor people to be right with God, they had to join up with theJews.
By his words and actions, Jesus showed this was definitely not thecase.
He ate with social outcasts. He made friends with people of badreputation like tax-collectors, some of whom deserved thereputation they had. Tax collectors in the Roman world were seen ascollaborators with the occupying forces. Some were known forenriching themselves at the expense of others. But Jesus seemed toenjoy their company.
What an attitude; what an example! The Pharisees, who were theupholders and teachers of the Jewish Law were disgusted. How couldthis man who spoke so earnestly about God, even think of actinglike this?
Then came the body blow: 'I came to give attention to those who aredeemed ne'er-do-wells'. Jesus was accused of not toeing the partyline and therefore having invalid and improper views.
Today is the feast day of St Matthew. The disciple Matthew was aprime example of Jesus' emphasis on those who were deemed belowpar. Yet look what an asset he was; what a life for God helived.
The commotion and the opposition had begun!
To Ponder
Are you offended or encouraged by Jesus' choiceof friends?
Where is the balance to be struck betweenspending energy and caring for believers and those who are in thejudgement of some below par?