“The RoseBouquet”

Matthew tells this story in the third person, on himself. Jesus met him at the tax collector’s booth, and invited him to follow Him. Matthew got up and followed Jesus. Simple as that.

Matthew happened to be rich, and he threw a supper for Jesus and all His disciples. We each adapt what we know in how we follow Jesus too, don’t we?

I’ve read, in that culture, when the rich threw a party it was a fairly public event. The poor folks - and apparently Pharisees too - would come stand around the table and lounging mats to watch and listen.

In this case, Matthew had invited his friends and neighbours, who were also tax collectors and sinners as guests, so if the Pharisees came in along with the even lower street life to watch, it must’ve been quite something. They even asked the disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

Jesus heard and pointed out that it was not the healthy who needed a doctor, but the sick. He said; “Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’” Jesus added that He had not come to call the righteous, but sinners. This must have embarrassed the Pharisees, and caused the rest of the guests to whoop with laughter.

How do you and I feel about this news? Do you count yourself among the sinners who need Jesus, or those Pharisees, hung up on their regulations?

Spiritually, I’m one of the sick who need Jesus as a doctor. What a spiritual Doctor He is too! When we trust His finished work on the cross, we are rid of all our shame and guilt for our sins. That’s the root of any other problem we have. There may be habits and false beliefs lurking, but we can ask Jesus for help to be rid of those too.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, I do trust You as Saviour. Come live in me by Your Holy Spirit. I need righteousness and holiness and peace and joy and strength for daily life. Now that makes for a very thorough doctor!

+++++Jesus is my King+++++Jesus is my King+++++

Blessings on you Today!
Ruth Marlene Friesen

P.S. Just graduating from high school in a small town in Saskatchewan, Canada, Ruthe commutes to the city of Saskatoon as a telephone operator. BUT in her off hours, she gets involved in the lives of the abused, bereaved, dying and spiritually hungry. Read Ruthe’s Story