What happens in Matthew 9:9-13?

In Matthew 9:9-13, we encounter a pivotal moment in the ministry of Jesus Christ, which offers profound insights into His mission and the nature of His call to discipleship. This passage not only highlights Jesus' approach to calling His followers but also reveals His heart for the marginalized and His challenge to religious legalism.

The passage begins with Jesus calling Matthew, a tax collector, to follow Him:

As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. (Matthew 9:9, NIV)

Tax collectors in the first-century Jewish context were often despised by their fellow Jews. They were seen as collaborators with the Roman occupiers and were notorious for their corruption and greed. By calling Matthew, Jesus demonstrates His willingness to reach out to those whom society deems unworthy. This act underscores a central theme in Jesus' ministry: the inclusivity of the Kingdom of God. Jesus does not call the righteous or those who consider themselves spiritually elite; He calls those who recognize their need for Him.

Matthew's immediate response to Jesus' call is noteworthy. He leaves his tax booth—a symbol of his former life and occupation—without hesitation. This act of obedience and abandonment of his previous life signifies a radical transformation and commitment to follow Jesus. It echoes the call to all believers to leave behind their old ways and follow Christ wholeheartedly.

Following Matthew's call, the narrative continues with Jesus dining at Matthew's house:

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)

The setting of a meal is significant in the Gospels. Sharing a meal in the ancient Near Eastern culture was an act of fellowship and acceptance. By dining with tax collectors and sinners, Jesus breaks social and religious barriers. He extends grace and friendship to those who are often ostracized and judged by the religious establishment. This act of eating with sinners is a powerful demonstration of God's love and mercy, which transcends societal norms and prejudices.

However, this inclusive act does not go unnoticed by the Pharisees, who question Jesus' actions:

When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” (Matthew 9:11, NIV)

The Pharisees, who were strict adherents to the Law and traditions, are scandalized by Jesus' behavior. Their question reveals their misunderstanding of God's heart and mission. They view righteousness in terms of separation from sinners and adherence to external religious practices. In their eyes, Jesus' association with tax collectors and sinners compromises His holiness and credibility as a teacher.

Jesus' response to the Pharisees is both profound and instructive:

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 9:12-13, NIV)

Jesus uses the metaphor of a doctor to explain His mission. Just as a doctor is needed by those who are sick, Jesus is needed by those who are spiritually unwell. This analogy emphasizes the purpose of Jesus' ministry: to bring healing and restoration to those who recognize their brokenness and need for a Savior. The Pharisees, in their self-righteousness, fail to see their own need for Jesus and thus miss the essence of His ministry.

Jesus then quotes Hosea 6:6, "I desire mercy, not sacrifice," to further elucidate His point. This Old Testament reference highlights the priority of compassion and mercy over ritualistic adherence to religious practices. God values a heart that shows love and mercy to others more than mere outward compliance with sacrificial laws. Jesus' citation of this verse serves as a rebuke to the Pharisees' legalism and a call to embody the true spirit of the Law, which is love and mercy.

The final statement, "For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners," encapsulates the essence of the Gospel. Jesus' mission is to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). He comes not for those who consider themselves righteous, but for those who acknowledge their sinfulness and need for redemption. This statement is a direct challenge to the Pharisees' self-perception and a reminder to all believers of the grace that underpins the Christian faith.

In reflecting on Matthew 9:9-13, several key themes emerge. First, the call of Matthew illustrates the transformative power of Jesus' invitation to follow Him. It is a call that transcends social status and past transgressions, offering a new identity and purpose. Second, Jesus' willingness to associate with tax collectors and sinners reveals the inclusive nature of the Kingdom of God. It is a kingdom that welcomes the marginalized and offers grace to all. Third, Jesus' challenge to the Pharisees underscores the importance of mercy and compassion over legalistic righteousness. It is a call to embody the heart of God, which prioritizes love and mercy over ritualistic observance.

This passage invites us to examine our own attitudes and actions. Are we willing to follow Jesus' call, leaving behind our old ways and embracing a new life in Him? Do we extend grace and fellowship to those whom society deems unworthy, recognizing that we too are recipients of God's mercy? Are we more concerned with outward religious practices or with embodying the love and compassion of Christ?

In conclusion, Matthew 9:9-13 is a powerful narrative that encapsulates the heart of Jesus' ministry. It challenges us to follow Him with wholehearted commitment, to extend grace to the marginalized, and to prioritize mercy over legalism. It is a reminder that Jesus came not for the righteous, but for sinners, offering healing and restoration to all who recognize their need for Him.