Midweek Divine Service

When Jesus heard that, He said to them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick."

Matthew 9:12

Where are we in the Bible? 

The calling of Matthew in verse 9 is a continuation of the call narrative found in Matthew 4:18-22. Both narratives make clear the power and attractiveness of the call to discipleship. As the fishermen immediately leave their boats to follow Jesus, so does the tax collector immediately leave his booth to follow Jesus. Just as Jesus saw something in Matthew, Matthew saw something in Jesus. In chapter 9 we also see the range of the call. Jesus’ call is not only to the common fishermen; it also extends to someone despised by His own people - a tax collector.

In no time, Matthew and other tax collectors and “sinners” (those whose lives rendered them unrighteous in light of the Jewish law) are sitting with Jesus and His disciples at dinner. They are breaking bread, sharing in conversation, trusting one another, and dissolving boundaries of every kind (a nice description of small group!). And this is precisely what the Pharisees took issue with - the diversity of the table fellowship, and the overturning of the secure categories of their society.

In response, they ask the disciples: “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” Perhaps stumped, the disciples remain silent, but Jesus hears them and responds. In His In response, He refers to Himself as a physician - One who heals.

What are the key themes based on the Bible verse

1. Jesus, healer of the body

2. Jesus, healer of the soul

3. Jesus, healer of all

Foundational readings:

Scripture Matthew 9| Catechism 3.4.8,5

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March sermon theme article click here to read

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