11
In the Tax Collector’s House
Matthew 9:9-13 & Luke 5:27-32
Simon is deeply troubled. His stomach is twisted in knots - he has never in his life eaten with a tax collector. He has never even set foot in one’s house because, from a young age, his father had taught him that doing so would make him unclean. Yes, they are Jews... but they collaborate with the enemy! That makes them nothing less than despicable traitors!
From a distance, Simon hears the noise - someone is throwing a massive feast. His eyes widen - it sounds like it’s coming from the house where they are supposed to eat!
When Simon arrives at Matthew’s house, he nearly has a heart attack. The place is packed with tax collectors and all the social outcasts of the town - the scum of the earth! His instinct is to turn and flee, but Jesus has a firm grip on his sleeve. He is welcomed with a joyfulness that reminds him of the last wedding he attended! And for him, his friends, and Jesus, the seats of honor have been reserved. If it weren’t for the discomfort he felt, Simon might have even felt flattered. The only other time he had been given a place of honor was on his wedding day!
Simon reclines at the table, sinking into luxurious cushions. He isn’t used to this kind of comfort, and it only makes him feel more out of place.
Jesus, however, looks completely at ease, as if He has been in situations like this His whole life. He engages in conversation with those around Him as if they are old friends. Simon watches in amazement at how naturally Jesus communicates.
Simon and his friends are treated like royalty. The finest dishes and drinks are brought to them in abundance. Simon, being a simple man, has never paid much attention to fancy food. But as the evening goes on, he begins to enjoy himself. He has to remind himself that he is sitting among a bunch of sinners and that he really shouldn’t be having a good time!
As he listens, Simon notices that his Master is engaged in a deep conversation with one of these so-called "sinners" about Scripture. He leans in - how would these men know anything about the sacred texts? Why is Jesus even bothering to discuss Scripture with them? But then Simon almost falls off his plush cushion when he realizes that this tax collector has an impressive knowledge of the Scriptures! The conversation between him and Jesus is profound! Simon suddenly understands that he has judged this man far too quickly - he has completely misjudged him!
A little way from Matthew, a few gloomy figures stand watching - Pharisees. They are clearly unhappy, gesturing to one another about someone they recognize inside the house. They shake their heads in disapproval.
The feast continues late into the night, and by the end, Simon has actually started to enjoy himself. He has even had a good chat with some of the tax collectors. It didn’t take him long to realize that these men aren’t nearly as bad as he had always thought. They are just ordinary people - Jews, just like him!
The next morning, as Simon steps out the door, he practically walks straight into a Pharisee. The man looks deeply upset and not at all friendly:
"Shame on you!" the Pharisee hisses.
"What now?" Simon is taken aback. Where is this coming from?
"You and the other disciples of that so-called Prophet - do you realize what you have done?"
"I have no idea what you’re talking about." Now Simon is completely confused and starting to get annoyed.
"You ate with tax collectors and sinners last night. How could you? Don’t you realize that you are now unclean? You have broken the purity laws!"
At that moment, Jesus and the other disciples arrive. Jesus steps in to defend Simon:
"Those who are well do not need a doctor, but the sick do," Jesus says. He looks the stunned Pharisee in the eye and shakes His head. "My friend, go and learn what the prophet Hosea meant when he wrote, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' I have not come for the righteous, but for sinners."
Simon is even more surprised to see that this Matthew fellow has now joined their circle of disciples.
Later, when Jesus officially chooses His twelve apostles - His specially chosen messengers - this very same tax collector, Matthew, is one of them!
Yesterday, we talked about how stepping beyond cultural boundaries to share the Gospel can be a major challenge. But just like Simon, I quickly realized that when you take that step of faith, you are welcomed with open arms. And just as I have discovered, it is a joy to serve in this way - and often, the fruits of your labour are far greater than among your own people.
Prayer:
Lord,
thank You that I can work in Your vineyard and for the blessings You
pour out on my labour!