“A man is known by the company he keeps.” If this is true, then what must we think of Jesus? In this story we see Him with the outcasts of society—the tax collectors and other unnamed “sinners.” And Jesus is comfortable with them! What’s worse, they seem to be comfortable with Him! How can this be, if Jesus is a holy man?
Jesus is holy, but He is a healer first. Doctors go where the sick people are; they are not surprised or disgusted by their problems. In the same way, Jesus comes to us, no matter how sick with sin we are. He is not surprised and He is not disgusted. Instead, He reaches out to make us well again. He takes our sin and brokenness upon Himself, and in exchange, He gives us His own life, holiness, and joy. He takes our cross and gives us a share in His resurrection.
WE PRAY: How wonderful You are, O Lord! Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* Who do you feel most comfortable with—respectable people or disreputable people?
* Why do you think you feel that way?
* What effect do you think Jesus’ visit had on Matthew’s friends?
Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.