WHY JESUS CAME TO EARTH
Key
verse 2 : 17
The
Word this morning follows directly the one from yesterday. The reason that
Jesus came was made manifest : it was for the forgiveness of the sins of
those who come unto him by faith. In this particular lesson we can see another
type of sinner who is desperate need of forgiveness.
1. Jesus called Levy
(13-17)
Matthew's
former name was Levy. He was a taxe collector. Tax collectors were people who
collected money from their own people in order to enrichen the colonisers. Their
fellowmen therefore saw them as national criminels. Even though tax collectors
were generally rich, their souls endured rather long periods of suffering. Levy
was putting together the money that he was given ; money that he
wrongfully gained. He was alone and suffering in his office as no one wanted to
come near to him or to make friends with him. However, while passing by Jesus
called out to him saying « follow me ». This meant « come learn
from me and become my disciple ». Levy saw a of hope and relief from this
call. Who could have put any hope in such a man ? Jesus did and Levy left
everything behind to follow him.
2.
I came to call the
sinners not the just (16-17)
The
religious leaders tracked Jesus down and found out that he was going to have
dinner with Levy and others in his social class. This class was based on their
judgement of who was a sinner or not. Everyone invited, except Jesus, were tax
collectors and prostitutes. However, Jesus ate with them happily. He explained
his action by saying that his goal was to save humanity. He did not, however,
impose himself on them. Rather, he leaves those who think that they need him,
accept him into their hearts and houses. Jesus knocks at the door and waits, he
who opens up and accepts will eat with him happily. The religious leaders did
not accept Jesus because of their high position in the Jewish society. They
thought that they were just. However, the sinners acknowledge their status and
call on Jesus. He then enters into their lives becoming their Master and Lord.
He forgives them their sins as it is for that. reason that he. came
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