The Saviour Calls People Others Have Written Off

“And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him. And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners? But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

Matthew 9:9-13 KJV

Matthew was at his work when Jesus called him. The invitation did not wait for his reputation to become acceptable to the religious observers nearby. Christ came with authority and mercy, calling a sinner into a different life.

Read the passage carefully

Jesus' fellowship was not approval of every practice associated with the people at the table. A physician does not help by pretending illness is health. His compassion brings him near because a real need exists. In the same way, grace receives sinners without declaring sin harmless. Repentance and new obedience belong to the response His mercy calls forth.

Be careful about the people you quietly regard as beyond useful attention. A troubled history, disliked occupation, rough manner, or different social circle can become an excuse for keeping the gospel at a comfortable distance. Treat people respectfully, listen to their actual circumstances, and speak truth without contempt. Maintain wise boundaries where conduct requires them, but do not confuse caution with the belief that Christ's mercy is reserved for people who already resemble your friends.