Matthew 9:12-13

Starting at verse 9 of Matthew chapter 9, my Bible has the title, “Jesus Calls Matthew”. Matthew was a Jewish man who was working for the Roman government collecting taxes from his fellow Israelites. I really like how The Chosen TV show portrays Matthew's life. He is alone because his family feels betrayed by him.

In our verses, Jesus is replying to the Pharisees who came around to Matthew’s house when they were having dinner. (After Jesus told Matthew to follow Him.) The Pharisees asked some of Jesus's disciples why He ate with such “scum”. They were NOT loving everyone. They had levels of society and in their minds, they were the top! BUT GOD! He looks at their heart. Matthew and the people Jesus was having dinner with were more open to Jesus than the know-it-all Pharisees.

In verse 13, Jesus is quoting an Old Testament Scripture. Hosea chapter 6 is titled, “A Call to Repentance “. Verse 6 says, “I want you to show love, not sacrifices. I want you to know ME more than I want burnt offerings.” The Pharisees were so caught up in religion and the law. Not to mention the rules they made up. They weren’t humble. They were prideful and puffed up. They were “righteous” in their own minds. Jesus came to give mercy and to be in relationship with anyone who wanted to be in relationship with Him.