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Scripture: Matthew 9:9-17
Song: He Lifted Me
The gospel is for all. Then again, the gospel is not for everybody. The Lord is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But not everyone will repent and receive His salvation.
Jesus came for the sick, not for the healthy. All men need His healing but not all men acknowledge their need, nor Him as the cure. All men are sinners, but not all men acknowledge their sin. Jesus can’t help such folks. He came to call sinners who know they’re sinners and want to be cured.
Jesus came to give the sick a cure, not just His company. The fact that Jesus dined with sinners does not argue my going to the bar or the club or the dance or associating with the worldly minded. Jesus’ presence made sinners better. He certainly didn’t participate in worldliness nor encourage such with His presence. He called them to repentance, not just His friendship.
Jesus came to change man. The man whose heart is hard and crusted will not tolerate the gospel. The fabric of his heart like the worn-out garment or the old wineskin cannot stand the changes required by the gospel. But the heart that is tender, the heart that is malleable, the heart that can be molded in conformity to the Master’s will—that’s a man the Lord can help.
Wisdom is justified by her children. The critics both without and within the company of disciples were answered when Matthew left his tax office and followed Jesus. The critics are answered again when you rise and do likewise. Come follow Him, today.
Jason Moore
