Embracing the Marginalized: Jesus' Call to Inclusion

Devotional

Day 1: Seeing Potential in the Overlooked

Jesus called Matthew, a despised tax collector, to follow Him, seeing potential that others overlooked. This teaches us that God often sees what we cannot and calls us to look beyond outward appearances to the heart. We should be open to the possibility that those we consider too far gone might be the very ones God wants to use. Jesus' ability to see beyond Matthew's flaws and recognize his potential is a powerful reminder that no one is beyond God's reach. We are encouraged to adopt this perspective, looking for the hidden potential in those around us and extending grace and opportunity where others might see only failure.

Jesus' call to Matthew was not just a call to leave his old life but an invitation to step into a new identity and purpose. Matthew's immediate response to follow Jesus and invite Him to a dinner party with other tax collectors and sinners shows the transformative power of Jesus' acceptance and love. This act of inclusion and mercy was met with criticism from the Pharisees, who questioned why Jesus would associate with such disreputable people. Jesus responded by emphasizing that His mission was to call sinners, not those who considered themselves righteous. [02:26]

Matthew 9:9-13 (ESV): "As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, 'Follow me.' And he rose and followed him. And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, 'Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?' But when he heard it, he said, 'Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.'"

Reflection: Think of someone in your life who is often overlooked or dismissed. How can you extend grace and see their potential as Jesus did with Matthew?

Day 2: Rethinking Righteousness

True righteousness is not about maintaining a facade of holiness but about having a heart that beats for the lost and the hurting. Jesus challenged the Pharisees' understanding of righteousness by associating with sinners and emphasizing mercy over sacrifice. We need to shift our focus from external appearances to internal transformation and compassion. Jesus' actions demonstrate that true righteousness involves a deep concern for those who are marginalized and in need of God's love.

The Pharisees were alarmed by Jesus' willingness to associate with tax collectors and sinners, as it went against their strict interpretation of religious purity. However, Jesus' provocative actions were meant to redefine what it means to be righteous. He emphasized that righteousness is not about separating oneself from those deemed unworthy but about engaging with them in love and mercy. This challenges us to examine our own understanding of righteousness and to prioritize compassion and inclusion over judgment and exclusion. [12:14]

Isaiah 58:6-7 (ESV): "Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?"

Reflection: Reflect on your understanding of righteousness. How can you shift your focus from external appearances to internal transformation and compassion in your daily life?

Day 3: Inviting the Uninvited

Matthew's immediate response to following Jesus was to invite his friends to meet Him. This act of inclusion is a powerful example for us. We should actively seek to invite those who are marginalized or overlooked into our communities, creating opportunities for them to experience the love and mercy of Jesus. Matthew's dinner party with tax collectors and sinners shows that our faith should lead us to build bridges, not walls.

Jesus' willingness to attend Matthew's dinner party and associate with those considered sinners by society was a radical act of inclusion. It demonstrated that God's love is available to everyone, regardless of their past or social status. By inviting the uninvited, we follow Jesus' example and create spaces where people can encounter His transformative love. This can be done through simple acts like hosting a "Matthew party," where we bring together our Christian and non-Christian friends in a casual, non-threatening environment. [18:57]

Luke 14:13-14 (ESV): "But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just."

Reflection: Think of someone who is often marginalized or overlooked. How can you invite them into your community and create opportunities for them to experience the love and mercy of Jesus?

Day 4: Recognizing God's Work Behind the Scenes

Personal testimonies remind us that God is often working behind the scenes in people's lives, leading to sudden and profound transformations. We should never write anyone off as too far gone but remain open to the possibility that God is at work in their hearts. Stories of transformation, like Matthew's, show that God can use anyone for His purposes, regardless of their past.

God's work in people's lives is often hidden from our view, but that doesn't mean it isn't happening. We are called to trust that God is at work, even when we can't see it. This trust should lead us to be patient and hopeful, believing that God can bring about change in anyone's life. By sharing our own stories of transformation and listening to others, we can encourage one another and build faith in God's ability to work behind the scenes. [05:56]

Philippians 1:6 (ESV): "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced God's work in your life behind the scenes. How can you share this story to encourage someone who might feel too far gone?

Day 5: Extending Mercy Requires Flexibility

Extending mercy to others, especially those who are different from us, requires us to stretch and grow. It may be uncomfortable, but it is a crucial part of following Jesus. By inviting the uninvited and showing mercy, we participate in God's mission to heal and forgive sinners. Mercy is not always easy, but it is a powerful expression of God's love and grace.

Jesus' interactions with tax collectors and sinners were not just acts of kindness but demonstrations of God's mercy. He showed that true mercy involves stepping out of our comfort zones and engaging with those who are different from us. This requires flexibility and a willingness to be uncomfortable for the sake of others. By extending mercy, we reflect God's heart and participate in His mission to bring healing and forgiveness to a broken world. [22:31]

Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

Reflection: Think of a situation where extending mercy might require you to step out of your comfort zone. How can you show God's love and grace in that situation today?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

In Matthew 9:9-13, we see Jesus calling Matthew, a tax collector, to follow Him. Tax collectors were despised by the Jews for their collaboration with Rome and their often corrupt practices. Despite this, Jesus saw potential in Matthew that others overlooked. Matthew's immediate response was to follow Jesus and invite Him to a dinner party with other tax collectors and sinners. This act of inclusion and mercy was met with criticism from the Pharisees, who questioned why Jesus would associate with such disreputable people. Jesus responded by emphasizing that His mission was to call sinners, not those who considered themselves righteous.

This passage challenges us to rethink our understanding of righteousness and to extend mercy and inclusion to those who are often marginalized. Jesus' actions demonstrate that true righteousness is not about maintaining a facade of holiness but about having a heart that beats for the lost and the hurting. We are called to be like Matthew, who, after encountering Jesus, immediately thought of his friends and wanted them to experience the same transformation.

The sermon also included a personal testimony, illustrating how God can work behind the scenes in someone's life, leading to a sudden and profound transformation. This serves as a reminder that we should never write anyone off as too far gone. Instead, we should be open to the possibility that God is working in their lives and be willing to invite them into our communities.

The call to action is clear: we need to rethink our understanding of righteousness and actively invite the uninvited into our lives and communities. This can be done through simple acts like hosting a "Matthew party," where we bring together our Christian and non-Christian friends in a casual, non-threatening environment. By doing so, we create opportunities for meaningful connections and for others to experience the love and mercy of Jesus.

###

Key Takeaways

1. Jesus Sees Potential Where We See Flaws: Jesus called Matthew, a despised tax collector, to follow Him, seeing potential that others overlooked. This teaches us that God often sees what we cannot and calls us to look beyond outward appearances to the heart. We should be open to the possibility that those we consider too far gone might be the very ones God wants to use. [02:26]
2. Rethink Righteousness: True righteousness is not about maintaining a facade of holiness but about having a heart that beats for the lost and the hurting. Jesus challenged the Pharisees' understanding of righteousness by associating with sinners and emphasizing mercy over sacrifice. We need to shift our focus from external appearances to internal transformation and compassion. [12:14]
3. Invite the Uninvited: Matthew's immediate response to following Jesus was to invite his friends to meet Him. This act of inclusion is a powerful example for us. We should actively seek to invite those who are marginalized or overlooked into our communities, creating opportunities for them to experience the love and mercy of Jesus. [18:57]
4. God Works Behind the Scenes: Personal testimonies remind us that God is often working behind the scenes in people's lives, leading to sudden and profound transformations. We should never write anyone off as too far gone but remain open to the possibility that God is at work in their hearts. [05:56]
5. Mercy Requires Flexibility: Extending mercy to others, especially those who are different from us, requires us to stretch and grow. It may be uncomfortable, but it is a crucial part of following Jesus. By inviting the uninvited and showing mercy, we participate in God's mission to heal and forgive sinners. [22:31]
### [22:31]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:16] - The Call of Matthew
[02:26] - Jesus Sees Potential
[03:45] - Leaving Everything Behind
[04:49] - Personal Testimony
[05:56] - God Works Behind the Scenes
[07:12] - Pharisees' Alarm Bells
[08:32] - Rethink Righteousness
[09:51] - Jesus' Provocative Actions
[11:01] - Understanding Righteousness
[12:14] - Rethink Righteousness Explained
[13:31] - Go and Learn Mercy
[14:59] - Inclusion Over Exclusion
[16:17] - Redefine What is Commendable
[17:32] - Jesus is Right
[18:57] - Invite the Uninvited
[20:00] - Relief Through Jesus
[21:16] - The Gospel Invites
[22:31] - Mercy Requires Flexibility
[23:46] - Matthew Parties
[24:48] - Different Versions of Matthew Parties
[26:01] - Big Days at Church
[27:18] - Supporting Through Giving
[27:56] - Packing Backpacks
[28:27] - Prayer for Matthew Parties
[29:27] - Hosting a Matthew Watch Party
[30:18] - Inviting People Online
[30:50] - Closing Remarks

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What was Matthew's occupation before Jesus called him, and why was this significant? [01:16]
How did the Pharisees react to Jesus dining with tax collectors and sinners, and what was Jesus' response? [07:12]
What Old Testament scripture did Jesus quote to the Pharisees, and what was its significance? [01:16]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus chose Matthew, a tax collector, to be one of His disciples? What does this tell us about Jesus' view of people? [02:26]
How does Jesus' response to the Pharisees challenge traditional views of righteousness? [08:32]
What does it mean to "invite the uninvited" in the context of this passage and sermon? How does this apply to our modern-day lives? [18:57]

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you judged someone based on their outward appearance or past actions. How can you change your perspective to see their potential as Jesus did with Matthew? [02:26]
Jesus emphasized mercy over sacrifice. How can you practice mercy in your daily interactions, especially with those who are different from you? [13:31]
Think about your social circles. Who are the "uninvited" in your life that you can reach out to and include? What steps can you take to invite them into your community? [18:57]
The sermon mentioned hosting a "Matthew party." What are some practical ways you can create opportunities for your Christian and non-Christian friends to connect? [23:46]
Personal testimonies were shared in the sermon about profound transformations. Have you experienced or witnessed a similar transformation? How can you share this story to encourage others? [05:56]
Mercy requires flexibility and growth. Identify an area in your life where you need to extend more mercy. What specific actions can you take to grow in this area? [22:31]
How can you support your church's efforts to reach out to the uninvited, whether through events, giving, or personal involvement? [27:18]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "We can get this wrong sometimes. We can look at the people around us, the people in your life, the people on my left, people at your work, the people at your Starbucks, the people who are on your online community. And we're like, you know, I don't know. I think they're a little bit too far gone. There are some people, but not them. They're especially disreputable. They're the kind that probably Jesus is just trying not to throw lightning bolts at because he's so angry at them all the time. We can all do that. We can judge by appearance. But God looks at the heart." [02:26] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Jesus calls Matthew to leave everything. And we got to understand this, leave everything. This isn't like turning. This isn't like turning over a new leaf. I've turned over a new leaf. You've turned over new leaves. Everybody does this every New Year's. Okay. It's not like, well, I think I'm going to try to drink less or drink none at all. It's not like I got really got to work on my diet. I'm going to turn over a new leaf and really try to get this down. Or I need some new friends. I'm going to try to get some new friends. I'm going to do something new. I'm going to change my habits, change my location. I'm going to just try something new. Maybe I'll do it. Maybe I won't. That's not what Matthew is doing here. Matthew is inviting Jesus to be his Lord." [03:45] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "What would it be like if we were a part of that situation for people? You and through me, at our work, at the places you frequent, at the playground with the women and the dads who hang out there, what if God would use you there? What could God do through us if we just began to believe that maybe he could?" [07:12] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Jesus is flipping that upside down. And he's saying, actually, I want this. I want you to go learn the idea of mercy and compassion and kindness toward people who don't necessarily deserve it. And I want you to shift how you think about what it means to be gods. I want you to shift how you think about what is pleasing to God." [08:32] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Jesus is saying, guys, you've got a wrong picture of what it means to be right with God. You've got a wrong picture of what you think God is primarily concerned about. You think he's primarily concerned about getting all the details correct and keeping all the baddies away. And that is a wrong way to think." [12:14] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "Matthew is writing this. This is Matthew's moment. He just, he just decides to say yes to Jesus. We don't know how long Matthew had been watching Jesus. He's a tax collector. In that, in that time, a tax collector is kind of like to many people, especially the Jews, is like a villain. They're a person who a traitor to the people. They work for Rome now. They help keep the people under Rome's boot. And they come and they collect taxes, but it's not like today. There's really no laws they have to follow about how much they can take. So they just take whatever they want. They can make themselves rich. And so a tax collector and their buddies are probably in the eyes of Jews, yeah, very disreputable sinners." [01:16] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "I wonder if there's people, there's little Matthews in your life right now that you look at and be like, no, I've known them for a while. It ain't happening. But God is full of surprises. And for you, it can seem, it will look instantaneous, even though God's been working behind the scene for years, it just happens. And they're like, oh Jesus, I'm ready." [05:56] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Rethink righteousness. Rethink what is commendable in Jesus's eyes. Is it just being, perfect? Or is it being burdened to get everybody to the party? Is it being burdened that I've got friends? I've got chums. I've got people that I used to roll with. Matthew used to roll with all these people. These are his tax collector friends. They get together and you can bet, you know, not everything that goes on is perfectly holy, but he's like, but these are my guys. I've been with these folks. I want them all to me. I want the old crew to meet the new crew. Let's get them together because I've been so impacted by this." [12:14] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Jesus clarifies the mission for these Pharisees and everybody listening. He clarifies the mission and he says, um, I feel like maybe you're not getting something. I'm here to heal and forgive sinners. That's why I'm here. That's the mission. I'm here to get people that are sick, not people who think they have their act together. I'm thinking about all these people that still need me and are variously at levels of being aware that they need me. I'm thinking about them. I'm not thinking about polishing the outside of the cup. I'm thinking about drawing people in. So they take a look at what's in their cup and ask me to fill it with myself instead." [14:59] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Jesus is right. Somebody say Jesus is right. Jesus is right. It's easy when you're Jesus, he's always right. What does that mean for us? That means as long as we just have to do some evaluation of like, what did you learn and where did you learn it? What was the message that you received? Because even if you have somebody that you genuinely like you respected and they seemed like they were really powerful and they knew what they were talking about, but they taught you that primarily it's about the pharisaical holiness. Do not touch and stay away from everybody and everyone else bad, bad. And everybody in the circle, good, good. If you learn that it's wrong, that's not right. Jesus is right. Let that go. Rethink righteousness. Get your mind off that garbage because that's really what, that's what Jesus is. He said, guys, oh, you don't even get it. You're supposed to be the ones who all your experts, you know, all the law and you know, all the prophets and you don't get this. You've got the wrong interpretation of your religion. You need to redefine what is commendable." [16:17] (64 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?