ALL IN
- Key Verse
- As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man called Matthew, sitting in the tax collector's booth; and He said to him, "Follow Me!" And he got up and followed Him. (Matthew 9:9)
READ TODAY'S PASSAGE-
READ THE CHAPTER
Central Truth
It’s only weird if He’s not God.
Reflections
When I look at this passage pragmatically, I get hung up on Matthew’s response to Jesus. It’s mysterious and somewhat illogical. We understand from context that Matthew was a man of influence. I view him as a man of intelligence . . . educated, business savvy, wealthy, powerful. If I were to modernize his character, I picture him in a sleek, single-breasted, black, Euro-fit Armani suit, strategizing over a boardroom table with his shrewd business buddies. Just as Matt is in the middle of proposing a new strategy to maximize revenue, Jesus locks in on him. “Follow me!” He says. And Matthew got up and followed.Matthew, by all appearances, is secure. He’s got money, influence, family, friends, and food on his table. So, what made this man stand up in the middle of his peers, walk off, and follow Jesus?
As I contemplate this, it seems that Matthew acted as a man who had just found something “better.” And unless Jesus is, in fact, the Son of God, I see no logical explanation for Matthew’s immediate and intense response to Jesus’ offer. When Matthew looked at Jesus, he saw God. And he saw himself through God’s eyes becoming acutely aware of his own maladies and desperate need for a Savior, a need that worldly success (or a “good life”) can never satisfy.
I was young when I came to believe in Jesus as the Son of God and as Savior. Since then, I, like Matthew, have had time (and the blessing) to experience the joys of this world: success, love, friends, family, popularity, and pleasure. And I truly understand why Matthew got up. While these are all good things, they’re never enough. A successful life is not enough to reestablish us with a holy God, but Jesus is. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) Jesus offered, and Matthew acknowledged his need and followed after Him. It makes perfect sense when you consider Who’s offering.
Discussion Questions
1. Have you contemplated the deity of Jesus? Have you sought to know if He was just a man/prophet, or if He is God’s Son and His love response to your need for a savior?
2. If you believe Jesus to be God’s Son, have you considered His offer to follow Him and receive eternal life?
3. Matthew’s ardent response to Jesus so powerfully impacted his colleagues and friends that they, too, were compelled to come meet Jesus, and many followed after Him. (Mark 2:15) If you believe in Jesus as your savior, does your life reflect the passionate ardor of a freed slave insomuch that your colleagues and friends, too, are compelled to meet Him?
FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What is mercy? (Mercy is not getting the punishment you deserve.)
2. What does it mean to show mercy to others?
Suzanne Coupe
January 28, 2010 05:56 AM
Hi Kate! I'm formerly-known-as Suzanne Cabral and I live in New York now (still working for PwC but in Global Advisory). I read The Journey every morning and it was great to see your smiling face this morning. You did a great job on the devotion today. I hope you're doing well. God is good! XXX OOO
Sue Bohlin
January 28, 2010 08:13 AM
Kate, your central truth is one of the most powerful takeaways I've ever seen in the Journey! SO true!!!!!!
Bart
January 28, 2010 08:54 AM
Kate, Great analogy to help us fast forward to the type of scenario we can more readily identify with...the mystery is only a mystery to those that have a doubting faith in Christ, as our ONE and ONLY savior. Many blessings!
Eric Colton
January 28, 2010 09:01 AM
Wow! Kate, that was awesome. I will forward this to many of my friends in business that profess to be Christian's but are not "all in". Thanks for allowing the Lord to speak through you like this. Also, had I know you had webbed feet, I would have encouraged you to swim competitively many years ago!
Jarrad Brandt
January 28, 2010 09:14 AM
Kate thanks for your great observations and honest reflections. A great reminder that we can't cover up our need for Jesus with anything this world has to offer. Nothing can replace Him! I needed that reminder today, thank you!
Jarrad Brandt
January 28, 2010 09:14 AM
Kate thanks for your great observations and honest reflections. A great reminder that we can't cover up our need for Jesus with anything this world has to offer. Nothing can replace Him! I needed that reminder today, thank you!
Dad
January 28, 2010 10:52 AM
How bless-ed: "my feelings" as I read and contemplated you journey not just today but all of your live.
Todd Tramonte
January 28, 2010 11:18 AM
Kate, Well done! This might be the most well written and developed Journey entry I've read in several years. Loved it. Thanks so much!
judy archbold
January 28, 2010 09:34 PM
I have thought about the powerful effect Jesus had on Matthew, but never dwelled on his background. Great insight! Thank you Kate.
Chandra
January 28, 2010 11:19 PM
Sweet friend, Loved reading your words and wisdom today. HE is indeed better than anything this world offers. Love you!
Chandra
January 28, 2010 11:19 PM
Sweet friend, Loved reading your words and wisdom today. HE is indeed better than anything this world offers. Love you!
Mom
January 28, 2010 11:45 PM
Insight worth much contemplation; memorable central truth; ...born from a heart for the Lord. Our old refrigerator door magnet: "I have no greater joy than to know that my children love the Lord."
Courtney Vorel
January 29, 2010 12:07 AM
I'm with Sue- great central truth and great devo!!
Betsy
January 29, 2010 10:58 AM
What a fun treat for me this morning - you did a great job! love ya!