Session 20

Matthew

From Journey To Change

Matthew was a tax collector, a corrupt position no self-respecting Jew would take. So when Jesus went to a party with Matthew and his friends, it caused quite a commotion.

Religious people couldn’t understand why someone like Jesus would want to hang out with sinners like Matthew and his co-workers. Jesus answered saying, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick...For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Matthew 9:12–13).

Those who are physically sick need a doctor. Those who are spiritually sick need a savior.

Those who are physically sick need a doctor. Those who are spiritually sick need a savior. When Jesus invited Matthew to follow Him, Matthew got up, left everything and followed Him. Matthew recognized his sickness of sin and his need for Jesus.

Matthew’s willingness to drop everything without looking back is a beautiful picture of obedience. Matthew is also proof that Jesus can use anyone, no matter his or her past. We were all born with a sickness called sin and only Jesus can make us healthy. Are you willing to drop everything and follow Him?

Reflect: 

• Are there any areas of your life you need to submit to Jesus?
• Is anything keeping you from leaving your old life behind to follow Jesus? What and why?
• When was the last time you brought someone to church or started a friendship with someone far from God?