The scripture lesson is in The Gospel of Matthew 9:9-13 in which Jesus calls Matthew to follow Him.
Unlike the previous called followers who were ordinary working men, probably likeable because we can relate to them, Matthew is a member of a despised, even hated, class of people. He is a tax collector whose companions are other tax collectors and sinners. Yet Jesus issues the call to follow and Matthew immediately accepts the call, invites Jesus and His disciples to dinner.
The religious leaders are outraged. Jesus is taking bread with bad people who have no respect for the Law.
"Whether you think you are worthy (to be called to follow) or not, you're not." --JB
Peter, James, and John left their nets and followed. Yet they had the option to return to fishing. (In fact, they did so following Christ's crucifixion.) Matthew, a contract employee of the Roman government, did not have the option to go back. He forsook everything to follow Jesus.
Jesus told the lawyers and religious leaders, "I value mercy, not sacrifice." (Here quoting the prophet Hosea. Hosea 6:6)
The call to follow Jesus is a call to Mercy!
This was a complete paradigm shift from the understanding of the people of that day who had been taught that sacrifice was everything. Their complete system of worship was screwed up.
With sacrifice
1) you are taught to reject the unclean; ritual purification is key.
2) you are trained to detect flaws.
3) you are trained to respect tradition.
Jesus's love for the Father and for people caused the law to fall into place. Jesus opened the gates and gave everyone access to Himself!
The call to follow Jesus is a call to Mercy! He takes care of the sacrifice; you must operate in mercy.
1) Operate out of a heart of compassion.
2) Operate out of a heart of forgiveness.
3) Operate out of a heart of love.
But what of the unlikable, the unclean, the wretched? Love those we don't even like.
Let your heart beat with love for people!
His compassion and love never fail!
Mission, Action, Obedience, Mercy
Preacher Johnnie Blair
Sunday morning
2 comments:
I keep coming back to this because - this is just life the way it should be lived -
1) Operate out of a heart of compassion.
2) Operate out of a heart of forgiveness.
3) Operate out of a heart of love.
Grace, I believe this is exactly how we should live even when we think others do not deserve compassion or forgiveness. But if we truly operate out of a heart of love I think the first two will take care of themselves. Tough, though, but worth it.
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