Matthew 9:9-13; Romans 10:11-15
Read Matthew 9:9-13
After decided to follow Jesus, Matthew hosted a party and invited all his 'sinner' friends as well as Jesus and his disciples. Imagine yourself in the shoes of all the different people there:
How do you imagine Matthew felt?
How do you imagine the disciples felt?
How do you imagine Matthew's friends ('the tax collectors and sinners') felt?
How do you imagine the Pharisees felt?
How do you imagine Jesus felt?
In what ways do you identify with each of the characters in this scene? Are there some you identify with more than others? Why?
Do you think that us Christians today are good at spending time at these sorts of parties? Why/why not?
What do you think is in the heart of the Pharisees that makes them judge the tax collectors and sinners (and Jesus)? What sort of parties would they attend (and expect Jesus to attend)?
How do we as Jesus followers follow in Jesus' footsteps on this? What does it look like for you to spend time with those who 'need a doctor' - i.e. those who need Jesus?
Read Romans 10:11-15
This passage is about Jews and Gentiles, but it we might also apply a similar more general principle to non-Christians and Christians.
How do these words apply to Jesus and Matthew's friends in Matthew 9:
v12: "the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him"
v14: "how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?"
v14: "how can they hear without someone preaching to them"
v15: "how can anyone preach unless they are sent"
How do these words apply to us?
v12: "the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him"
v14: "how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?"
v14: "how can they hear without someone preaching to them"
v15: "how can anyone preach unless they are sent"
Spend some time praying about your circles - family, friends, workplaces, and other spaces we inhabit each week. Pray that God would 'send' us into places where people need Jesus, and that we would have the courage to go.
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