Jesus calls

 Matthew 9: 9-13. 18 -26 v 13 Then Jesus 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.”

Jesus was walking along and saw Matthew, a tax collector sitting doing his job. He said, “follow me and be my disciple.” Matthew got up and followed Him. He invited him to dinner with his circle of friends, tax collectors and other sinners. The local church leaders asked “why does the teacher eat with such scum? Jesus said” Healthy people don’t need a doctor- sick people do. Then Jesus 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.” Added to this reading are the stories of Jesus healing the daughter of a leader of the synagogue and a woman who passed by Him on the street and touched his robe, in both cases saying your faith has made you well. Even though the crowd initially laughed at Him he persisted and brought the daughter back to life, and this miracle swept through the entire countryside.

When Jesus calls, we need to answer immediately. To bring Him with us from that moment on into everything we do. To react to those we meet with mercy, often translated as loving kindness, and not just to perform rituals or sacrifices. He performs miracles for those scorned by society, a woman with constant bleeding, and the leader of the synagogue because they believed and had faith that He could do it. It is up to us to respond to Jesus when He calls and God to do His work through us for those who we encounter in our day whoever they are.

Prayer: Heavenly Lord, thank you for responding to our prayers this week as we answer your call to follow Jesus and show loving kindness to all. Amen.