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Read: Matthew 9:10-11
Listen: Matthew 9

While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” Matthew 9:10-11

The Pharisees take the Jewish laws of ritual cleanliness so seriously they added new laws just to be safe. It is no surprise, therefore, that they are shocked that Jesus eats with the hated tax collectors and various other “sinners” (those living lifestyles disobedient to the Jewish Scriptures). The Pharisees believe this behavior makes Jesus ritually “unclean” and unable to participate in religious practices. Not only is Jesus in contact with these people, but he also deliberately decides to be with them. It’s as if Jesus is saying, “These are my people!” Their uncleanness doesn’t rub off on him. His righteousness provides forgiveness to these former traitors, prostitutes and rebels. Nothing can make Jesus unclean. Jesus can make anyone clean.

This is good news for us. Jesus has the power to make us clean. He can give us new life. It doesn’t matter what we’ve done or what’s been done to us. No embarrassing or awful thing is too much for Jesus. This is the power of Jesus’s gospel. His death and resurrection can purify us from everything in our past, present and future. Jesus has the power to do for us that we cannot do for ourselves.

TODAY: Join the Ada Bible Church Worship Team as they sing, “Canvas and Clay.” Use the lyrics “You make all things work together, for my future and my good” as a prayer of gratitude for the work Jesus has done in your life.

JESUS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT:

Read Ezekiel 33-34.Highlight anything that points to Jesus. Focus on the promise of a true shepherd. Reflect on how Jesus declares he is the good shepherd (John 10:11).