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Matthew’s Table

Mart De Haan Posted by Mart DeHaan
April 30th, 2013
23 Comments » 

DSC01061

Self-portrait

Why were “sinners” so drawn to Jesus even before learning that he had come to suffer and die for their rescue?

Can we put ourselves in their place, and his? (Matt 9:9-13)

Is it possible that the most righteous person who ever lived can identify with “the worst” among us better than we can?

Seems to me that it could be a bit frightening and embarrassing to consider the possibility that, without meaning to, and without realizing it, we have learned to drive off the very people who found Jesus so fascinating and inviting—even as he gave them reason to follow him… and to think and love like he does.


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23 Responses to “Matthew’s Table”

  1. foreverblessed says:
    April 30, 2013 at 4:12 am

    This is a very profound thought: are sinners attracted to me? Does Jesus shine out of me? I see that this could be much much much more, but the only thing I can do is, draw closer to Jesus. Have Him as my King.
    Out of topic, but today is the day our nation has a new king, Willem Alexander, and it is a day of great festivity. I hope some of you will see it. The now no more queen Beatrix, has been important to our country, she brings oneness, stability, the governments come and go, but she has been advising them for 33 years.
    With the start of our nation, being freed from the harsh reign of the spanish king, it was prince Willem of Nassau of Orange that helped the country to fight, also to fight for freedom of religion. I think he was very brave, when the successor of Charles the 5th demanded that prince William vowed an oath to follow him, but William wrote in a letter, that he could not be submissive to a king who would kill people for their choice of religion, as those who did not follow the cathlic church but started to read the bible themselves would be burned. Since that time he was called an outcast by the king and the cathlic church, and a price was put on his head.
    He could have gone back to his hometown, but when he found out that the dutch started to from bands to be freed from the spanish ruler,(when he raised the taxes abnormally high) then he joined them, with his own means he formed an army, with many of his brothers.
    And a long fight started.

    Sorry for this side track, but this is such a big day for our country, and for Europe too, the family of kings we have here are important, and all of them mention God, “so help me God.”

  2. SFDBWV says:
    April 30, 2013 at 5:48 am

    Who among us can separate sinners from the rest of us? The question being why were sinners drawn to Jesus.

    Are sinners still today drawn to Jesus?
    Aren’t all people sinners?

    Do sinners consider themselves to be sinners?
    Do they care that religious people consider them to be sinners?

    What is sin to a non believer?

    Are the sinners we speak of believers who know they have sinned?

    It seems to me in order to properly look at this subject we need to identify who it is that is drawn to Jesus in order to understand why.

    Law breakers know they are violating the laws of the land when they commit the crimes they do. Most of them think they are smarter than the law and so think they will not be caught.

    Some who think they may get caught consider the crime against the punishment and figure if they get caught the crime out weighs the punishment and so worth the punishment.

    This realm of criminals among us is an easily identifiable group to find *sinners*. Many criminals who are caught and sentenced to prison find there is special treatment for those who become *Christians* while in jail.

    For them it is the first step toward being *Christian* in their mind it is for a benefit.

    They are no differences then among the rest of us who consider that becoming Christian will *benefit* us in some way.

    In the beginning, Jesus offers us a way out of our predicament, our predicament being guilty of *sin*.

    A lot to say concerning this subject so I will break up my comments so as not to run too long.

    Steve

  3. saled says:
    April 30, 2013 at 6:21 am

    This topic reminds me of a Yahoo headline this morning about Amanda Knox, the American schoolgirl who found herself in so much trouble in Italy. In the headline, she said that she wanted to be ‘reconsidered as a person’.
    Haven’t we all formed our opinions about her from the stories that we read?

    I think Matthew the tax collector wanted to be reconsidered as a person also. As tax collector he was an outcast in his culture. Imagine being invited by Jesus to come back into the group and be accepted.

    This is also what I want. Although I am nearly 60, I am still being judged, rightly so, by decisions that I made when I was 20. I can’t erase my past, but when I see contempt on the face of someone who only sees my past, I remember that someday it will become evident that I am a new person in Christ.

  4. SFDBWV says:
    April 30, 2013 at 6:37 am

    When I consider the two men crucified with Jesus, both were guilty of some crime against humanity.

    The one who ask to be remembered when Jesus came into His kingdom first of all acknowledged that he was guilty and deserving of punishment and then by way of asking Jesus to remember him when Jesus came into His kingdom was asserting that Jesus was a king in the afterlife and placed belief on Jesus by way of asking.

    This man believed that there was an afterlife and that in this afterlife there was justice and mercy.

    What of the other man? I would have to guess since he sarcastically ask Jesus to save them both from the torture and death they were facing, *if* He was indeed who He claimed to be, that he was both hopeful of rescue yet did not believe Jesus to be anything other than just another man like themselves. Perhaps not believing in an afterlife or that there was a God at all.

    Both men were sinners in our eyes, both ask for different things, hoping that Jesus was able to deliver on both requests.

    How different are we from these two men?

    One acknowledges his sin and asks for mercy in the afterlife, the other asks for rescue from his circumstance not recorded as admitting his guilt, but wanting rescued, half hearted that perhaps Jesus could or would deliver.

    Who are sinners among us now, and who determines that they are?

    Steve

  5. swwagner says:
    April 30, 2013 at 6:54 am

    Am I willing to be associated with the outcasts of society? The people who live in boxes under the bridge? The prostitutes who wait at truck stops? The mother who has no running water in her house to keep herself or her children clean? The gay man dying of AIDS in a run down half way house? The foreigner whose customs disgust me? The obnoxious teenager with greasy hair and snarling lips? The murderer? The molester of children? The thief who stole millions of dollars from investors?
    Do I see myself as being “better” than these outcasts? Jesus came not to condemn but to save all sinners…of whom I am chief.

  6. remarutho says:
    April 30, 2013 at 7:18 am

    Good Morning All —

    Greetings from the “Children First” ministry work-shop being offered in the prettiest Douglas fir grove in the area (on Eagle Creek).

    I find gazing at Jesus and glancing at the “problems” with people keeps me safe from the fear of sin. Everybody has a fallen nature. Sort of like the public health rule: Assume that everybody has the disease.

    What Jesus offers me is new life in him — “joy unspeakable and full of glory” — we haven’t yet seen the fullness of it. I believe that Jesus (alone) can love me with divine love. He has seen in me the Maru that can be — with his cleansing, deliverance and transformation in my spirit/soul/mind/body.

    It’s not all bad — in Jesus it’s all good. He never gives up on anybody. At Matthew’s table that evening around dinner Jesus told great stories. And he told those nervous Pharisees, “Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.” (v 13) When anybody admits (s)he is a sinner, then Jesus has something for him/her: the restoration of full humanity, dignity and joy.

    Blessings,
    Maru

  7. SFDBWV says:
    April 30, 2013 at 8:35 am

    There is a lot of talk often about things taken out of context while speaking of matters in Scripture. I am not one who puts a great deal of importance in the idea that what is said pertains only to the text, I believe God is bigger than that.

    Having said that let us consider that the people to who Jesus first went to were Jews. The Jew rightfully considered themselves to be a special people *created* by God as a *people* of God and indoctrinated from birth into their special position and religion.

    Their religion is their life.

    These people are going to know whether or not they have sinned against God or at least against their Law.

    When Jesus came and offered them a radical new idea that their sins could be forgiven without the structure of the Law, but rather through believing on Him and trusting Jesus to be the promised Savior, certainly they were interested in listening to what He had to say. And those among them who was ordained from the foundation of the world were drawn to Him in belief and trust, even unto poverty and death in this world.

    What about right now? What is the enticement that can *draw* a person today toward accepting Jesus of Nazareth and their becoming a believer?

    To an atheist there is no need for a spiritual savior. They have no belief in God. For them life is what it is and what they can make of it, then comes death, endless unconsciousness.

    To people of other religions, they may have a spiritual calling in them, but need to see or understand the difference between their particular faith and the faith of Christians.

    Whereas it becomes a Christian’s responsibility to proclaim the Gospel and to be a clouded image of their Master, I believe it is the Holy Spirit that draws sinners to Christ. The Holy Spirit that convicts the heart and the Holy Spirit that opens their blind eyes to the Truth and person of Jesus of Nazareth.

    In the end it is as in the beginning God provides the way.

    Steve

  8. cherielyn says:
    April 30, 2013 at 8:44 am

    Off subject, but please pray for the family of Trish. Trish was the Interim Director of the Domestic Abuse center in our area. She was murdered by her long-time boyfriend on Sunday night. She was present at an award ceremony held just last Wednesday, which I attended as a member of our Law Enforcement committee & was the recipient of one of the awards of recognition.

    About 6 years ago Trish was instrumental in helping secure a restraining order for Mike, against a neighbor who had abused Mike & threatened further abuse.

    Hard to understand how someone who has helped so many victims of domestic violence could end up being a victim herself. She has two children – a boy 20 something & a teenage daughter.

  9. SFDBWV says:
    April 30, 2013 at 8:47 am

    Foreverblessed may I say happy *coronation day* to you and to your nation.

    Freedom always comes with a cost and as you have given in your brief history of your countries freedom from Spain, it is too often the struggle of war that wins freedom from oppression.

    I suppose that is why Paul likened our struggle against sin as warfare and why all throughout Biblical history there were wars and why it is said that in the end weapons of war would be beaten into plowshares.

    Freedom comes at a cost and the freedom from sin that cost God His only begotten Son the highest price of all.

    Jesus the King of Kings implies that He is the King over kings.

    Enjoy your special day and God bless you and your countrymen.

    Steve

  10. SFDBWV says:
    April 30, 2013 at 9:45 am

    Cherielyn how sad and tragic to hear of your friend Trish’s murder. Indeed we will offer special prayers for her family and all who knew and loved her.

    Steve

  11. phpatato says:
    April 30, 2013 at 10:54 am

    Cherielyn I will remember Trish’s family in my prayers. How very sad that is. It’s an art to be able to change and wear different hats so as to hide and disguise what you don’t want other people to see. I learned how to do that years ago. In a sense, it was a hedge that I put up around me to protect those around me from what may have caused concern and worry for them…my mom especially. She was given a strong sense of knowing something was wrong so I wore a special hat when around her. It was my Joker hat. I would be crying inside but I would always make her laugh.

  12. poohpity says:
    April 30, 2013 at 11:07 am

    For me being drawn to someone who you know accepts and loves you is an easy thing which to me is what Matthew’s friends saw in the eyes of Jesus. People can tell when someone really cares or it is just words, talk is cheap. They seemed to have no idea what Jesus was there for but they were drawn to Him. When you have lived on the street you either learn to read people or you get slaughtered. They read Jesus and knew His motives were pure.

    The most righteous person who ever lived saw they needed His mercy. The Pharisees pride however never saw that they were sinners enough to recognize their great need for mercy. (Luke 18:9-14) Those at Matthew’s table recognized their need as do all those who see the real condition of their own hearts “found Jesus so fascinating and inviting—even as he gave them reason to “follow him”… and “to think” and “love” like he does.” Luke 7:47 NLT

    If people saw that in our eyes they would be drawn to it as well. It is very easy to spot when someone really cares for you not because they are supposed to do it but because they really do.

  13. poohpity says:
    April 30, 2013 at 12:14 pm

    Mart, the picture above with the caption “self portrait” made me chuckle. What I have seen over my years is that many people who accuse others of their many flaws are, without realizing it, actually doing a self portrait. People find in others what they find so hard to see in themselves. When they do start to see it in themselves they will be more likely to drop the pretense and understand the great mercy found at the foot of the Cross. They will stand with the crowd and slowly drop their stones but rather than walk away from Jesus they will run to Him finding acceptance and love in His forgiving arms that were stretched out for us. No greater love is found in that while we were yet great sinners Jesus died for us.

  14. BruceC says:
    April 30, 2013 at 12:18 pm

    Yup; we sometimes do drive folks away. When I say “we” I mean the Church. We have allowed the way the culture acts to seep in. Some become self-righteous to the point that they look down their nose at those less educated or less successful in life. Part of human nature unfortunately. I once heard a preacher say that if everyone had to carry a sign around listing our sins and faults for all to see we wouldn’t act so smug at times(actually most of the time).

    BruceC
    Soli Deo Gloria!

  15. kingdomkid7 says:
    April 30, 2013 at 12:51 pm

    I am praying for Trish’s family. They will need much strength in the days to come. May we all have the eyes of our Saviour — eyes that let people know we see them as they are and love them as He loves us.

  16. narrowpathseeker says:
    April 30, 2013 at 7:59 pm

    Cherielyn, I am so very sorry about your friend Trish. That must be very difficult for you. We have some very strong prayer warriors here and I am sure many will be praying for your friend Trish’s family as well as for you Cheryl as will I.

  17. narrowpathseeker says:
    April 30, 2013 at 8:06 pm

    Forever, I hope you had a wonderful day of celebration and blessed many with your encouraging wisdom as you do here. God Bless you even more.

  18. foreverblessed says:
    May 1, 2013 at 2:54 pm

    Thanks you for your blessings! (all out of topic, this is about the new king instated in the Netherlands) It was a lovely day, full of festivity. Steve, they do not call it a coronation, as we have no state church and so no official head of church in the Netherlands, so no crown is put on his head besides the crown is much too heavy. (When Elisabeth was coronated, that crown was heavy on her head for sure).
    Especially after the Boston bombings the Mayor of Amsterdam had lots of extra precautions made. One of them was that people were 200 meters of safe haven form the balcony. That is a long path to wave over.
    I just wanted to tell you all of this, as is made deep impression on me: the family of kings bring some stability, and the fear of God, they all marry in churches, and ask God to bless them. I remember 2 years ago when prince William of England married Kate, that our then participating friend in Cornwall was so enthusiastic about the church wedding!

    I pray for the family of, and others around Trish!

  19. foreverblessed says:
    May 1, 2013 at 2:59 pm

    In the course of years as I have been a christian, I have grown to the conclusion that it is better to bless, then to tell people what they are doing wrong. The first rule of God’s Kingdom is the rule of love! Love, bless, and leave the refining of others around me to God, He is well capable of changing people.
    But I am not like that naturally, I am very critical myself, often seeing the things that go wrong. So it is a training ground for me to bless, and see the good in others rather then the wrong.

  20. swwagner says:
    May 1, 2013 at 3:26 pm

    foreverblessed and all..

    I agree that it is better to approach in love and let God do the work. When you try to understand and establish a common ground first you get much further than if you go in criticizing. Being affable will more likely give you the chance to gently present Jesus in a way that is appealing rather than condemning. People will still be offended, but it is much better than attacking and alienating. I always think of Jesus’ dealings with the woman caught in the act of adultery and the woman at the well. There was no harshness, just startling truth.

    When trying to talk to others about Christ, it is easier if I tell a story about myself in a bad situation and how I was rescued by the Lord. When a person is placed in your path, if you are extremely observant and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you, it is actually fairly easy to turn the conversation to spiritual things.

    That being said, I also am a critical person and have to work daily at seeing the good in others. May we all support each other as we stumble through this life with our hearts and eyes watching for His return!

  21. narrowpathseeker says:
    May 2, 2013 at 9:55 am

    Claudia, thank you. I, much like you, seem to be the family animal and childcare giver when needed. I believe we are blessed many times over in doing this and in being ABLE to do it. I am somewhat concerned with what they are going to do when I am gone. ;-)

    Steve, you are missed even if when it is just a day or two. A day without Steve is like a day without sunshine. ;-) Somebody said that or something close to it here at one time… I think it may have been Bill who is also missed.

    I am getting butterflies jumping in my belly… I can’t believe I am going to Europe and probably when I get there, I won’t believe I am there!!

  22. narrowpathseeker says:
    May 6, 2013 at 12:05 pm

    well, i’v
    posts
    p gotten on line again but can’t find all the

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