Ian Barclay's Thought For The Day

A CHRISTIAN LOOKS AT MATTHEW’S GOSPEL
Friend of sinners
Reading: Matthew 9:9-13 Click to view passage

It is generally accepted that Matthew is the Levi of Mark 2:14. His name suggests that he came from a priestly family, but he had fallen to the dubious level of being a tax-collector for the Romans. The Romans sold the job of collecting taxes and allowed whoever they appointed to recoup the losses of their investment. So they were never particularly honest or considerate and were universally hated and despised. Jesus had no problem in befriending this man and suggested that he should become one of his followers.

It is a sad fact that the older we grow in the Christian life, the fewer non-Christian friends we have. This severely limits our evangelism and effectiveness as the people of God.


Meditation: Jesus said, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners,” (v13). For the sake of evangelism and effectiveness I must cultivate non-Christian friends.

Prayer pointer: I must become the friend of sinners too.