MATTHEW 9:9–13 – THE CALL OF MATTHEW
FROM SIN TO DISCIPLESHIP: MERCY THAT TRANSFORMS
Introduction
After revealing His authority to forgive sins through the healing of the paralytic, Jesus now demonstrates how that forgiveness becomes a lived reality. He does not wait for sinners to reform themselves before approaching Him. Instead, He calls them where they are. The call of Matthew shows that discipleship begins not with perfection, but with mercy accepted and followed.
Bible Passage (Mt 9:9–13)
As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him. While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples. The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” He heard this and said, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”
Background
This passage continues Jesus’ revelation of His mission after forgiving and healing the paralytic. Forgiveness now leads to vocation. Matthew, a tax collector, represents those marginalized and despised by religious society. Jesus’ action challenges prevailing interpretations of holiness and purity, revealing God’s preference for mercy over exclusion.
Opening Life Connection
Many people feel disqualified from following God because of their past, profession, or reputation. Some wait to become “good enough” before responding to God. The call of Matthew reminds us that Jesus calls first and transforms later.
Verse-by-Verse / Phrase-by-Phrase Reflection
“He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post”
Jesus sees beyond occupation and reputation. He looks at the person, not the sin.
“Follow me”
A simple command that carries total commitment. No conditions are imposed.
“He got up and followed him”
Immediate response shows the power of grace. Conversion begins with obedience.
“Many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus”
Mercy is contagious. One transformed life opens the door for others.
“Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
The Pharisees equate holiness with separation rather than compassion.
“Those who are well do not need a physician”
Jesus defines Himself as the healer of broken humanity.
“I desire mercy, not sacrifice”
True worship is expressed through mercy, not mere ritual observance.
“I did not come to call the righteous but sinners”
Jesus defines His mission clearly: salvation for those who acknowledge their need.
Jewish Historical and Religious Context
Tax collectors collaborated with Roman authorities and were considered ritually unclean and morally corrupt. Eating with them implied acceptance. Quoting Hosea 6:6, Jesus recalls the prophetic tradition that places mercy above ritual correctness.
Catholic Tradition and Teaching
The Church teaches that Christ calls sinners into communion and transformation. Discipleship is rooted in grace, not merit. The Catechism affirms that Christ’s mercy precedes conversion and makes it possible.
Historical or Saintly Illustration
Saint Matthew himself is the greatest illustration: from public sinner to apostle and evangelist. His Gospel testifies that no past disqualifies one from God’s call.
Application to Christian Life Today
Christians are called to imitate Jesus’ mercy by welcoming, not excluding; healing, not judging. The Church must remain a place where sinners encounter conversion through love.
Eucharistic Connection
At every Eucharist, Jesus again sits at table with sinners, offering communion not as a reward for perfection but as nourishment for conversion and mission.
Messages / Call to Conversion
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Jesus sees potential where others see failure.
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God’s call demands an immediate and generous response.
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Mercy is greater than ritual correctness.
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No sin places a person beyond God’s call.
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Encounter with Christ leads naturally to mission.
Outline for Preachers (Printable – Bullet Form)
• Background within the Gospel: forgiveness leading to vocation
• Life connection: feeling unworthy of God’s call
• Key phrases explained: “Follow me,” “I desire mercy”
• Jewish context: tax collectors and ritual purity
• Catholic teaching: mercy precedes conversion
• Saintly illustration: Matthew the apostle
• Application to life today: welcoming the marginalized
• Eucharistic connection: table fellowship with Christ
• Key messages and call to conversion
