Not For The Righteous
Good morning Scripture reading: St. Matthew 9:10-13 Worship song: Run To The Father Meditation: The Pharisees criticized Jesus' association with people they deemed undesirable questioning why a religious teacher would dine with the outcast and the marginalized. Jesus frequently dined with these groups to demonstrate that His ministry was intended for the broken, outcasts, sinners, and those in need of spiritual healing. What the Pharisees overlooked was that Jesus' ministry was for sinners and outcasts, not for those who claim to be righteous. Jesus affirms that his ministry offers spiritual healing and repentance to those who acknowledge their need for it. Three different groups are emphasized: the Publicans, despised Jewish tax collectors working for Rome and regarded as traitors; the sinners who broke Jewish moral laws; and the Pharisees, who were self-righteous and believed they did not need to repent. Jesus used ...