Matthew was a tax collector who Jesus called to follow him. Matthew held a feast at his house where many "disreputable characters" joined Jesus and his disciples, upsetting the Pharisees. When questioned, Jesus responded that he had come "to invite outsiders, not coddle insiders" and that he was pursuing mercy rather than religion. The passage emphasizes Jesus' welcoming of outsiders and those considered sinful.

1. Matthew 9
AREWe MOVING to the CENTER?

5. Passing along, Jesus saw a man at his work
collecting taxes. His name was Matthew. Jesus
said, “Come along with me.” Matthew stood up
and followed him. Later when Jesus was eating
supper
at Matthew’s house with his close followers, a lot
of disreputable characters came and joined them.
When the Pharisees saw him keeping this kind of
company, they had a fit, and lit into Jesus’
followers. “What kind of example is this from your
MATTHEW 9:9-11

6. Jesus, overhearing, shot back,
“Who needs a doctor:
the healthy or the sick?
Go figure out what this
Scripture means: ‘
I’m after mercy, not religion.’
I’m here to invite outsiders,
not coddle insiders.
MATTHEW 9:12-13

7. Simon (Peter)
Andrew (Peter’s
brother)
James son of Zebedee
John (James’ brother)
Philip
Bartholomew
THE DISCIPLES
Thomas
Matthew the Tax
Collector
James son of Alphaeus
Thaddeus
Simon the Zealot
Judas Iscariot

10. ”But the gospel doesn’t need a coalition
devoted to keeping the wrong people out.
It needs a family of sinners, saved by grace,
committed to tearing down the walls,
throwing open the doors, and shouting,
‘Welcome! There’s bread and wine.
Come eat with us and talk.’
This isn’t a kingdom for the worthy;
it’s a kingdom for the hungry.”
RACHEL HELD EVANS

11. Through suffering and rejection, O God,
you bring forth our salvation,
for in Jesus you embrace our humanity
and transform our lives by the glory of his cross.
Grant that for the sake of the gospel
we may rebuke the lure of this world,
take up our cross, and follow
your Son Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Benediction