DCLM Higher Everyday 20 June 2024 — A Customs Man Get a Call
Topic: A Customs Man Get a Call
Text: Matthew 9:9-13
9And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.
11And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?
12But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.
13But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Key Verse: “And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, follow me. And he arose, and followed him” (Matthew 9:9).
Message
Matthew, also called Levi, an apostle was by occupation, a tax collector (publican). His duty was to collect revenue on goods passing between Damascus and the Mediterranean ports. The publicans were perceived as extortioners and even as traitors since they served Rome. When Jesus called Matthew, he immediately obeyed and followed Him. It is a wise youth who follows Jesus, the only Way. For He who is the Way knows the way, shows the way and leads the way. Following Christ is following the sure pathway of repentance. Repentance is the hallmark of a true follower. It is the doorway to eternal life and eventual bliss in heaven.
Unsaved youths are sin-sick and bedridden, needing Jesus the true physician. He is the only cure for man’s problem of sin. He said, “… for I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” To follow Christ, a sinner must realize his sinfulness, confess those sins, accept Jesus as Lord and only Saviour and thereafter take up his cross to daily follow Him.Would you heed the call?
Quote: He immediately obeyed
Challenge: Brother, sister, heed Jesus’ call.
Prayer for today: Give me grace, Lord, to follow you.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
