Outcasts

Jesus left that place, and as he walked along, he saw a tax collector, named Matthew, sitting in his office. He said to him, ‘Follow me.’

Matthew got up and followed him.

While Jesus was having a meal in Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and other outcasts came and joined Jesus and his disciples at the table. Some Pharisees saw this and asked his disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat and drink with such people?’ (verses 9-11)

Read Matthew 9:9-17

Who are the outcasts in your world? Who are the people you refuse to have anything to do with? Are they people who have a different coloured skin than yours? Or are they people who have a different understanding of human sexuality, or a different religion?

We live in an increasingly changing and challenging world. We are surrounded by people who have very different ideas from ours. And this diversity will only increase. There are two things we can do. We can withdraw from such people and only associate with the people we feel comfortable with. The other way is the way of Jesus.

It isn’t easy to be with people who are very different from us. But it’s important for them and for us. We can grow as we listen and try to understand, even if we don’t agree. As we form bridges between us, we model the love that Jesus had for all people. Human sin creates ‘outcasts’ and division. God’s love includes ‘outcasts’ and, in Christ, creates unity.

Lord Jesus, thank you for calling me to follow you. Help me to form relationships with those I regard as ‘outcasts’. Give me the mindset that loves all, as you love all. Amen.

Written by Gregory Graham from “Living Water for each day” (LCA, Openbook Publishers, 2001)

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