Sunday: The Call of Matthew — Matthew 9:9; Mark 2:13-14; Luke 5:27-28
Matthew was a tax collector. He was contracted by the Roman government. The Jews despised this position because publicans were considered traitors because they worked for Rome and because they were notorious for collecting more than what was required and pocketing the difference. In many ways, Matthew was considered the vilest of sinners and perhaps to the amazement of others, he was just the type of person Jesus was looking for to “come follow Him.” Even a despised tax collector could become a useful tool in the hands of Jesus: Matthew witnessed to other publicans; became one of the 12 disciples; and wrote a gospel.
Monday: Tax Collectors & Sinners — Matthew 9:10-11; Mark 2:15-16; Luke 5:29-30
Matthew threw a feast in honor of his new Master. He invited other tax collectors and sinners into his home to mingle with Jesus and His disciples. The Jewish leaders were shocked. As Pharisees, they were separatists—separated ones. They were strict observers of ceremonial cleanliness (Mark 7:3). Jesus explains that it is the sinner, not the righteous, who needs repentance. Jesus showed by the examples of the first disciples and Matthew, that through evangelism and discipleship various persons heed His call, regardless of social status.
Tuesday: Christ, the Physician — Matthew 9:12-13; Mark 2:17; Luke 5:31-32
Jesus uses a metaphor to compare Himself to a physician. As a physician, He knows the very nature of sin, disease and sickness of the soul – whether a stony heart, unbelief, pride or the cares of this world. He knows the cause and He knows the cure to whatever ails us. He is licensed (authorized) to deliver us from our infirmities (Luke 4:18). He deals tenderly with the wounded (Isaiah 42:3; Matthew 11:28) and harshly in desperate cases when the body is in danger of utter destruction (Matthew 5:29; 18:17).
Wednesday: Non-Fasting Disciples — Matthew 9:14; Mark 2:18; Luke 5:33
The Pharisees fasted twice a week (Luke 18:12) and John’s disciples also regularly fasted, as John’s ministry emphasized repentance. Jesus answered that His disciples were not fasting because they were in joyous celebration. In Biblical tradition, the celebrants at a wedding didn’t have to keep the religious rituals of the law. Jesus explained that while He was with them, it was as if His disciples were at a marriage feast.
Thursday: The Bridegroom — Matthew 9:15; Mark 2:19-20; Luke 5:34-35
Jesus’ message was profound. He was saying that He wasn’t like the Pharisees – the normal teachers of the time. He wasn’t like John the Baptist – a prophet foretelling of the coming Messiah. He was declaring that He was the Messiah, the bridegroom to the children of Israel. The image of Jesus as bridegroom suggests that the relationship between a devoted follower and Jesus is one of deep intimacy.
Friday: New Cloth, Old Garment — Matthew 9:16; Mark 2:21; Luke 5:36
Using the analogy of fabric, Jesus is contrasting the Old Covenant and the New Covenant. The Old Covenant was works-based. The New Covenant is grace-based. Jesus is saying there are holes in the old garments, due to sin, but the new fabric He is bringing will completely make anew the old garment.
Saturday: New Wine, Old Wineskins — Matthew 9:17; Mark 2:22; Luke 5:37-39
The allusion of new wine being put into old wineskins is pertinent for today. New wine must be poured into new wineskins, not accommodated for the sake of comfort. The message here is that we need to be uncompromising about our faith and the work of the Spirit in our lives. If our family traditions, local customs, or personal habits conflict with the Scripture, we must change – for God’s Word will not.