1. Follow me (9)

Matthew, who wrote this Gospel, was a tax collector. This was synonymous with 'sinner.' It was also synonymous with 'selfish, greedy guy.' Tax collectors were quislings who sold their own people for personal gain. But they paid a price of inner misery of soul. They were lonely outcasts, spiritual lepers. Matthew was tired of this kind of life, but there seemed to be no way out. Then Jesus walked by and said, 'Follow me.' It was a call to repentance and faith. Matthew accepted. Jesus changed him from a tax collector into a servant of God.

2. The sick need a doctor (10-13)

Matthew celebrated his new life with a dinner party. He invited his old friends to come and rejoice with him, and meet Jesus. It was a joyful party, for a dead man had come alive. But the Pharisees criticized Jesus for eating with a 'sinner.' Jesus taught them from God's word that he had come to show God's mercy.

Application: Lord, continue to change me from a selfish person into a selfless follower of my Lord Jesus.
One Word: Jesus calls sinners