When Jesus Calls the Despised: The Radical Love That Changes Everything
Have you ever wondered what makes preaching so unique and challenging? As I pondered this recently, I realized that the challenge of the preacher, simply stated, is to describe the indescribable. How do you describe a sunset to someone who cannot see? Or the smell of a freshly cut Christmas tree to someone without a sense of smell? Even more challenging: how do you describe God's love that is so unfathomable that it's almost beyond unbelievable, it's almost a little crazy because the love is so undeserved, unmerited, unwarranted, which is why it's unconditional?
The Call That Defied Social Norms
In Matthew 9:9-13, we encounter a moment that perfectly illustrates this radical, indescribable love. The text tells us: "As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at a tax booth. And he said to him, 'Follow me.' And Matthew rose and followed Jesus."
To understand the weight of this encounter, we must recognize what tax collectors represented in first-century Palestine. Unlike our modern tax system, Roman taxation was deeply corrupt. Tax collectors weren't just unpopular government employees—they were viewed as traitors who collaborated with the occupying Romans and extorted their own people.
People looked at Matthew and they despised him because what he was doing was despicable. Yet Jesus looked at this despised man and simply said, "Follow me." This simple invitation speaks volumes about who Jesus is and how He views those society rejects.
The Dinner That Shocked the Religious Elite
The story continues with Matthew not only following Jesus but inviting Him home for dinner. "As Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples" (Matthew 9:10).
This wasn't just a casual meal. In first-century culture, sharing a meal was an intimate experience. Would you invite someone you despise to your table at home? Of course not. It's too intimate, too personal... And that's exactly what Jesus did. He invited the people who were most despicable to come and break bread with him.
The Criticism That Revealed Religious Blindness
The religious leaders were appalled. Matthew 9:11 tells us, "When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, 'Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?'" They were shocked... astounded... offended... appalled. Because you just don't do that. You don't sit at table with people you despise.
Jesus' response cuts to the heart of His mission: "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.' For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners" (Matthew 9:12-13).
What This Means For Us Today
What does this radical story mean for our lives? Let me offer four key takeaways:
1. Don't Disqualify Yourself
Whatever despicable things you have done in your life, God loves you. Never disqualify yourself from that love because it's specifically for you. Jesus doesn't call the qualified; He qualifies the called.
2. Don't Disqualify Others
What makes God's love so unbelievable is it's for the people you can't believe would ever be loved by God. If we find ourselves deciding who deserves God's love, we've missed the point entirely.
3. Be an Extension of God's Love
We're called to be an extension of God's love and mercy in the world so that they see in and through us an invitation to be loved and experience life. I'm convinced there are people who will only know God's love through you.
4. Answer the Call
Just as Matthew did, we're invited to follow Jesus and find the life and love only He can offer. The beauty of God's love is captured in the parable of the Prodigal Son, where the father "ran and embraced" his wayward son (Luke 15:20).
Putting It Into Practice
Like the father in the Prodigal Son story who ran to embrace his returning child, God eagerly welcomes us despite our failures and flaws. Churches are not clubs for the perfect. Churches are hospitals for those who are struggling.
Today, hear Jesus saying to you, "Follow me." Whether you feel qualified or not, whether society values you or not, whether you've made terrible mistakes or not—the invitation stands. The question is: Will you, like Matthew, rise and follow?
Remember, being a sinner does not disqualify you from being loved by God. In fact, being a sinner is a prerequisite to being redeemed by God. That's the beautiful, indescribable love that changes everything.