Read: Matthew 9:9–13
Tax collectors weren’t just unpopular—they were despised as the worst kind of sellouts. They worked for the Roman Empire, taking money from their own people, and most of them padded their own pockets by collecting more than required. People didn’t just dislike them; they avoided them completely.
If we’re honest, we all have our own versions of “those people” today. Maybe it’s someone with a criminal record, someone battling addiction, or even someone who doesn’t look, talk, or live like we’re used to. That’s how people saw Matthew.
But Jesus didn’t walk past his booth with judgment. He stopped, looked Matthew in the eye, and simply said, “Follow me.” No lecture. No clean-up-your-life-first speech. Just an invitation. And Matthew said yes.
Not only that—he threw a dinner party and invited Jesus along with all his friends: other tax collectors and outsiders, the very people nobody else wanted around. And Jesus didn’t just tolerate them. He reclined at the table. He stayed a while.
Of course, the religious leaders weren’t happy about it. But Jesus made his mission clear. He didn’t come for those who thought they had it all together. He came for the ones who knew they didn’t.
If you’ve ever wondered if you’re too messed up for God, look at Matthew. Jesus didn’t see a mistake. He saw potential.
And if you’ve started deciding who belongs and who doesn’t, maybe it’s time to rethink your guest list. Today, take a risk. Invite someone in who others might avoid. And if that someone is you, don’t stay at the booth. Jesus is already walking your way.