+DEV+ Reaching Out

Date: June 30, 2011 12:38 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Reaching Out

Reaching Out

"So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified." (GALATIANS 2:16B)
Scripture Focus: Matthew 9:9-13

When Jesus met Matthew, a successful and dishonest tax collector, He could have passed on by. Instead, Jesus saw Matthew's spiritual need and gave him this invitation: "Follow me."

Remarkably, Matthew didn't hesitate to leave his business and follow. With a new life and a changed heart, Matthew's desires changed, too. He invited Jesus, His disciples and "sinner" friends to dinner. The group shared laughter and lively conversation while food was passed and enjoyed. What an opportunity to know the Savior!

But this irritated the Pharisees who believed salvation came by obeying the law. Pointing accusing fingers to the group of diners, they questioned the disciples. "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?"

Jesus speaks to us as He spoke to the Pharisees because we ourselves are no better than those "tax collectors and sinners." Yet Christ has invited us to dine with Him and know Him. The same call that Matthew heard comes to us as well: "Follow me."

Insight: Christ Promised Us Power In The Holy Spirit To Tell People In Our Area And Outward That He Died To Save Them. (See Acts 1:8).