Advent Devotional Day 27

Friday, December 23


As Jesus continued on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at a kiosk for collecting taxes. He said to him, “Follow me,” and he got up and followed him. As Jesus sat down to eat in Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners joined Jesus and his disciples at the table.
But when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
When Jesus heard it, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor, but sick people do. Go and learn what this means: I want mercy and not sacrifice. I didn’t come to call righteous people, but sinners.”

- Matthew 9:9-13


Reflection:

Jesus called Matthew to follow him directly to a dinner party! All of a sudden, Matthew finds himself the host of quite an interesting gathering. Matthew must have wondered how Jesus would react when introduced to all of his friends. I imagine that prior to this dinner, Matthew was quite unsure of Jesus, skeptical even. Hearing Jesus’ initial words “follow me” may have stirred a deep sense of call that Matthew didn’t quite trust. But, as Matthew sat at the table surrounded by his friends - those who the religious leaders abhorred - he witnessed Jesus in his element. To Jesus, there is no “other”, no outcast, no one unworthy. I bet this dinner party sealed the deal for Matthew. From that moment on, he was in for whatever it meant to follow Jesus. He was in precisely because his friends were considered in as well.

Jesus’ desire to spend time with those on the margins challenges us to consider who we are inviting in. How are you inviting others to experience the extravagant love of Jesus this Christmas?



Prayer:

Jesus, friend to those so often overlooked and ignored, call to my mind someone who may need your love this Christmas. Give me the courage to extend them an invitation, perhaps to share a meal or join me for worship on Christmas Eve. Thank you for your never-ending and always inclusive love.
Amen.

Written by Sabra Engelbrecht

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