Matthew 9:1-13; Sunday, June 23, 2020 - "Matthew's Sacrifice"

In this sermon, I took a different angle and looked at the 'sacrifice' of Matthew.  I don't recall anyone really talking about just what Matthew gave up to follow Christ. Of course, we believe that he gained far, far more than he deserted, but, he did turn his back on basically all he had left in life.

Take a listen and consider the sacrifice of Matthew... have we given anything up to follow Jesus?

Be a blessing to someone today!

In Christ,
Roy

Matthew 9:1-13 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
9 1 And after getting into a boat he crossed the sea and came to his own town.

Jesus Heals a Paralytic
2 And just then some people were carrying a paralyzed man lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” 3 Then some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” 4 But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? 5 For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and walk’? 6 But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic—“Stand up, take your bed and go to your home.” 7 And he stood up and went to his home. 8 When the crowds saw it, they were filled with awe, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to human beings.

The Call of Matthew
9 As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him.

10 And as he sat at dinner[a] in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came and were sitting[b] with him and his disciples. 11 When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 12 But when he heard this, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.”

Footnotes:
a) Matthew 9:10 Gk reclined
b) Matthew 9:10 Gk were reclining