What Jesus Did! 'Dinner with Sinners' — Matthew 9:10-12

Thursday, April 17, 2025

[After Jesus called Matthew to follow him], Matthew invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with such scum?"

When Jesus heard this, he said, "Healthy people don't need a doctor — sick people do."

— Matthew 9:10-12 NLT

Key Thought

It's one thing to minister to the outcasts and sinners in public preaching; it's quite another to go to their parties. Jesus did both. His doing so made everyone in the religious power structure very nervous and, eventually, very belligerent. But Jesus came to earth on a mission. Disapproval from some religious snobs didn't dissuade him. Jesus' purpose at the dinner in Matthew's home, however, was not to cause controversy but to share salvation and fellowship with his new disciple and his friends. To this day, the best way for people to come to Christ is through a friend who has recently become a Christian. True friendship always shares our fellowship with our friends and Jesus!

Today's Prayer

Father, thank you that Jesus had his mission so clearly in mind when he lived here on earth. Thank you that criticism did not derail him from this ministry. And Father, I ask for eyes to see and ears to hear so that I might minister to others who are seeking for the answers only you provide. In the grace and the name of the Lord Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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4 Related Resources by Heartlight

Matthew 9:12
Devo: Today's Verse
"On hearing [people complaining he associated with sinful people], Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.""
Call the Doctor
Illustration of Matthew 9:12
Inspirational illustration of Matthew 9:12 -- On hearing this, Jesus said, 'It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.'
Creating a Movement
Article by Rick Brown
How in the world did they do this? Rick Brown talks about how we can accomplish the Great Commission in our world today, the same as they did it long ago.
Leaving the Classroom and Living the Life
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Sooner or later, we have to leave school and start living what we know! Rick Brown talks about discipleship being more than sitting and learning, it involves going and doing.

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 9:10-12 NLT — "Why does your teacher eat with such scum?" —— "Healthy people don't need a doctor — sick people do."

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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