Primary Text: Matthew 9:9-17
Memory Verse: And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” When Jesus heard that, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” Matthew 9:11-13
Introduction:
The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) calls us to reach out to others with the good news of Jesus Christ. Who are the “others” we are supposed to reach? Are they the devout, religious and respectable? Are they the ungodly, impious or degenerate? Who is a suitable prospect for becoming a disciple of Christ? Who is worthy of attaining the Kingdom of God?
In last week’s lesson we were introduced to four men who accepted the call of Jesus. They were common fishermen. This week we discover that Jesus isn’t a respecter of persons. He has come to save the sinner, regardless of their social status or personal wealth.
After Matthew accepts the call of Jesus, he invites other sinners in his realm of influence to come and meet the Messiah. It seems to be a universal theme of humanity that food entices others, for it appears Matthew’s feast is well attended.
A number of key passages in Matthew make use of the Banquet theme: Matthew 8:5-13; 15:21-28; 21:33-46; 22:1-14; 25:1-13. This is likely because Matthew’s main audience were the Jews and Jewish tradition is replete with examples in the Banquet motif. Old Testament scripture contained allusions to bountiful provisions from the land and promised abundance for the future. The Jews has always looked for a Messianic Banquet to come.
Matthew uses the Jewish expectations of the Messianic Banquet as his platform for introducing Jesus to his friends and acquaintances. The Messianic Banquet becomes a metaphor for earthly bounty and heavenly reward.
Studying the Word
Lesson Study
- What is one of the reasons Jesus came to earth? Luke 19:10; John 1:29; 1 John 3:5
- Who does Jesus come to save? Matthew 9:9; Mark 2:15-16; 1 Timothy 1:15
- List the ways Jesus heals us. Mark 2:17; Hosea 14:4; Psalm 103:3; 1 John 2:1-2; 1 Peter 2:24; Acts 10:38
- How does Jesus show the characteristics of a bridegroom? Ephesians 5:25-27; 2 Corinthians 11:12
- What are our responsibilities as the bride? Matthew 25:1-13; 9:15; Revelation 19:6-9
- In what ways might Christians today be cutting pieces out of the new garment and patching them onto the old? Matthew 9:16; Mark 2:21; Luke 5:36; Romans 12:2; Philippians 3:12-16
- Do the verses about not putting new into old mean that the law has been done away with? Matthew 9:16-17; 5:17-20; Romans 8:1-4; Galatians 5:16-23