What Reputation?

8-21-2009

Matthew was a messed up dude, and Jesus’ choice to bring him along reveals to us that we shouldn’t worry about what the world thinks. Hanging out with Matthew isn’t exactly the popular thing to do, and biblical commentaries reveal it hurt Jesus’ reputation, yet Jesus doesn’t care about his reputation. He cares about saving souls for the kingdom of God.

Matthew 9:10-11 says, 9As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. "Follow me," he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. 10While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" came and ate with him and his disciples. 11When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?"

We should all learn a valuable lesson from Jesus’ actions and relationship with Matthew and other “not so popular people” of the world. He didn’t care who you were or what you’ve done, and he certainly wasn’t concerned with his ranking in the popularity contest. What he did care about was your salvation. He dined with the lowest of the low so that they may turn from their ways of the past and live a life honoring to God.

What’s your past consisted of? It’s important to understand God’s view of the past. He is willing to forgive and forget if you will simply confess your sins, and start a new life in Jesus. Away with the old ways of you, and let’s start a fresh you. Nothing you’ve done in the past can keep you from a relationship of Christ if you are willing to accept him into your heart.

Application:
1. Read Matthew 9:10-11
2. Are you more concerned with your reputation or saving souls?