Passage
Matthew 9:1-13 (ESV)
God Accepts Those Who Fear Him
Acts 10:17-35
Key Verse: 10:34
Jesus Calls Sinners
Date: May. 15, 2015
Daily Bread
Key Verse: 9:13
First, "Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven" (1-8). Jesus saw the faith of these men who brought the paralyzed man to him, but he did not heal him right away. Instead, he declared the man's sins forgiven. This was deliberate. He wanted the religious leaders and all people to know that he has authority on earth to forgive sins. His healing of the paralyzed man proves this. Jesus' forgiveness is his great mercy on undeserving sinners.
Second, "Follow me" (9-13). Jesus deliberately targeted Matthew, a tax collector and public sinner, and called him to be his disciple. Matthew was so happy because of Jesus' mercy, he held a party, inviting all kinds of sinners. The religious leaders could not understand. They didn't know God's heart. Quoting Hosea, Jesus wanted them to know the merciful heart of God toward sinners. Jesus' calling is his great mercy on undeserving sinners.
Prayer: Father, thank you for Jesus, our merciful savior, who forgives my sins and calls me to follow. Help me rest in his mercy and follow him gratefully.
One Word: Jesus is our merciful savior
