Proper 5: Gospel, Matthew 9:9-13                                      

Matthew 9:9-13

I want to pull back the curtain on this reading and let you go forward in discovery. But as Dr. Mitchell used to say at the sem, “The key is always at the door.” Read and ponder these opening words:

“As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, ‘Follow me.’” And he rose and followed him.”

-Matthew 9:9

What in the world moves a man enamored with the world to follow this traveling rabbi? And zero in with me a bit. A man called Matthew (specific person), at THE tax booth (specific locale, not just “a” tax booth), and “Follow me,” (specific task). Jesus planned this. And perhaps therein lies the answer to our question above. When Jesus aims his intentions on our little lives, there is an unmistakable “pull” that occurs. If you are a disciple of the Lord Jesus you know that to be true without question.

Now go on, read the rest of the gospel passage for the week and you will find the “why” behind the “what” of our question. Tax collectors aren’t so bad. Aren’t you glad for the pull of Jesus?