FOLLOW ME, HE GOT UP AND FOLLOWED HIM. Matthew 9:9-13

In this passage, Jesus calls Matthew, a tax collector, to follow him. Matthew gets up and follows him. Then, in Matthew’s house, Jesus sits at table with many tax collectors and sinners.

The Pharisees ask the disciples why Jesus eats with sinners and tax collectors. Jesus answers them:

•         “The healthy do not need a doctor, but the sick.”

•         “Go, learn what it means, ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.'”

•         “That I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

This passage shows that Jesus looks at people with love and mercy, no matter their condition, illnesses, or limitations.

No wonder Matthew, when Jesus said to him, “Follow me,” left his good position as a tax collector and followed Jesus. Matthew knew that he was accepting a great deal, regarding the matter of his life; he was aware that he was receiving much more than what he was leaving.