Tax Collector and Sinner

While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. (Matthew 9:10 NIV)

Yesterday we examined why tax collectors were considered the lowest of the low.  They were the very standard of what it meant to NOT walk together with God.  Jesus, however, hung out with Matthew.  In fact, he hung out with lots of tax collectors.

When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." (Matthew 9:11-13 NIV)

Jesus hung out with tax collectors BECAUSE they were sinners.  Thank God.  Without a God who cares about sinners, I would never have a chance out of hell.  Jesus came to earth to save sinners.  He selected twelve followers who were obviously sinners.  This is so he could show us all that we all need Jesus.

"No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved." (Matthew 9:16-17 NIV)

When he chose disciples like Matthew, Jesus poured his teaching (wine) into them (new wine skins).  They did not crack (burst) because they were willing to be stretched by God and His Son, Jesus.

How about you?  Would you be found among the tax collectors and sinners?  Would you listen to Jesus?