JUNE 15, Matthew 9:10-13

There are people who are looked down upon in society, in school and maybe even in church. Do you know of people who always sit alone because people talk behind their backs and make fun of them? Nobody likes to be around them or be seen eating with them. In Jesus’ time, these people were the tax-collectors and prostitutes. Everyone despised them because of their jobs and would stay far away from them. They must have felt very lonely. How would you feel if nobody liked you and everyone stayed far away from you?

Jesus was not like everyone else. He sat to have a meal with the tax-collectors and prostitutes. Everyone looked down on them and did not want to be their friend. Even though He knew that people were watching His every move and would criticise Him, Jesus still went. Why? That is because Jesus cared for their souls. We tend to judge a person based on who he is on the outside. Yes, he may look a little different from us outwardly, but inside we are all in the same state! All of us are sick in sin! There is no exception. It does not matter how much money you have, which school you attend or what your age is. We are all sinners who are equally in need of God’s grace.

How did Jesus respond when people started to whisper behind His back? He told them that it is the sick that need a doctor, not the healthy. The only way for sin-sick souls to be healed is for Jesus to heal them. How will He do this? Jesus said He will have mercy on them. He will not punish, instead He will show kindness to the souls of men. That is why Jesus sat with the tax-collectors and prostitutes. He came to call sinners to repentance! That was what made Jesus go all the way to the cross to die for our sins. He came to save us!

Jesus alone is the Great Physician who can heal our souls. He does not want us to be sick in sin, condemned under God’s wrath and be bound for hell. He wants us to be healed with His forgiveness and to enjoy peace with God. Jesus loves you as much as He loves the tax-collector, the prostitute and all who are despised by men. Will you also show kindness to those around you who have no friends and are despised by others? The best way to do that is to follow Jesus’ example. Sit down with them for a meal and share with them God’s love in your life. Will you?

Thought: I want to be a friend who cares for the souls of others.

Prayer: Father in heaven, thank You for saving my soul. Thank You for making me whole in Christ. I pray that You will use me to be a friend to the friendless, to share the good news of God’s love. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.