Key Ideas
Faith Fact
I can share God’s love.
Faith Verse
John 20:21 (NLT)
[Jesus] said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.”
Question of the Day: Who did Jesus come to help?
Read about It
Read: Matthew 9:11–12
Matthew made a quick decision to follow Jesus, which forever changed his life. So, what was the first thing he did to celebrate his new life? He had a dinner at his house! Matthew invited other tax collectors and sinners to come to sit at the table with Jesus and His disciples. Matthew knew that the One who called him loved these other sinners too. The Pharisees, however, seemed unhappy about it. What kind of man was Jesus who hung out with sinners? Why did Jesus sit down and eat with these types of people? Jesus replied, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.” Jesus knew that He came to heal the sick and broken. Matthew was one of those people. Because Jesus saved him, Matthew could not help but tell others who needed to hear!
Jesus wasn’t talking about people who had a cough, fever, or even needed to go to the hospital. He was talking about people living in a way that wasn’t honoring Him. There may be many people in your school, your neighborhood, and even your church who aren’t living for Jesus. Some people may have forgotten about them. Others may have labeled them as cheaters, liars, or bad kids. Jesus hasn’t forgotten them. He offers them new labels like friend, worthy, and good. We can be like Matthew and “set the table.” What does that mean? We can invite others and allow them to meet Jesus!
Talk about It
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Question 1. Who were Matthew’s dinner guests? Answer 1. Jesus, His disciples, tax collectors, and sinners (Matthew 9:10)
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Question 2. What was the reaction of others when they saw who Jesus was eating with? Answer 2. “Why does your teacher eat with such scum?” (Matthew 9:11)
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| Question 3. What did Jesus mean when He said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor”?
Answer 3. Answers will vary.
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| Question 4. What keeps some Christians from reaching out to people like those at Matthew’s party?
Answer 4. Answers will vary.
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| Question 5. Who did Jesus come to help?
Answer 5. Answers will vary. |
Pray about It
Dear Jesus, thank You for coming to save both the sick and the healthy. You are kind and gracious. Open my eyes to see others as You see them. Give me the words to share the good news about You with others. I know You love me so much. Help me to tell others about Your love. Amen.