Thursday 21 September 2023

Psalm 19

Background

This is a beautiful encounter which encapsulates in a brief story much that lies at the heart of Christian faith. Tax collectors were a despised and mistrusted group, perceived by their own people to be exploiting them and siding with the oppressors, while ignoring religious rules and regulations. Used by the Romans to do their dirty work of collecting taxes, Matthew may have been reasonably well off (in Luke’s version of the story the house belongs to Matthew and he gives a great banquet in Jesus’ honour – Luke 5:27-32) but it came at a price.

The first thing to notice is the immediacy with which Matthew got up and followed Jesus. He is not alone in doing this in the gospels – and maybe he already knew Jesus – but it is quite striking. And maybe just how radical and controversial it was for Jesus to ask Matthew to follow him and then to have dinner in his house, is now lost on us. It was not lost on the Pharisees,  however, who quizzed the disciples on the questionable behaviour of their teacher. Jesus, reclining at dinner, at ease in the company of ‘tax-collectors and sinners,’ overhears their questioning and responds. He says those who are ‘well’ don’t need to be healed; he’s come not for those who think they are righteous, but for those who know they fall short. Quoting Hosea 6:6 he puts mercy, or steadfast love, before sacrifice.

The message is clear, not just in Jesus’ words but perhaps even more so in his actions. Jesus befriends those who are considered outcasts. He even makes himself vulnerable and indebted to them by accepting their hospitality. He embodies so much of his teaching and in doing so he offers us both inspiration and challenge. We are inspired to go and do likewise, to be sent as he is sent. And we are challenged, because the Pharisees are by no means the only religious people who have been discomforted by those deemed to be on the edges of society. There are times when we all need to "Go and learn what this means." (v. 13)

To Ponder:

• In what ways have you ever felt called to follow Jesus – and how have you responded?
• What does this story mean for you? How are you inspired? In what ways are you challenged?
• How might you befriend and be with those who are marginalised or excluded by our society?

Prayer

Gracious God, your son Jesus Christ calls us to follow him. Help me to work out what that means in my life. May your steadfast love inspire me to embody love and mercy in my dealings with others, especially those who feel excluded. Amen.