The Road to Easter: Jesus Eats with Sinners
(NRSV) Matt 9:10 And as he sat at dinner in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came and were sitting with him and his disciples. 11 When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 12 But when he heard this, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.”
Don’t you sometimes just want to sit the Pharisees down and say, “Picky, picky, picky.”
I am not surprised that, just like today, social activities in Jesus’ time took place around the table. In this account, we see that Jesus had just called Matthew, a tax collector, to become a disciple.
Tax collectors were among the most feared and hated of society, but Jesus was not one to follow societal norms. Where others would shun Matthew, Jesus welcomed him, and not only Matthew but Scripture says many tax collectors and sinners were with him.
I understand how a person was identified as a tax collector. They set up booths to conduct their business so they were readily recognizable.
But I have to wonder how the Pharisees knew there were sinners at the table? Did they wear a large letter “S” pinned to their clothing? Aren’t we all sinners saved by Grace?
I love that Jesus did not enter in to a debate with the religious men, but instead acknowledged the sinful condition of those at the table with the statement “those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.” He then referenced the Old Testament book of Hosea, emphasizing that rituals without love were meaningless.
As we draw closer to Easter, may we understand that Jesus called each of us while we were sinners, but He did not leave us in our sinful state.
And I offer this in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
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