Teaching and Healing - Matthew 8-10

Matthew was a tax collector. He not only wrote this Gospel he was, himself, a key player in the story. In 9:9-13 we read the story of Jesus coming to Matthew's house. The visit caused the Pharisees of the day to recoil and object. They didn't understand why a Teacher who claimed to be special would hang out with such low people like "tax collectors." Although we have the same feelings today for the "IRS" we probably don't understand the distain people had for tax collectors in that day. These low base fellows would not only collect tax but money for themselves in a large abuse of power. In this section Matthew gives us example after example of those Jesus healed. Most of this section is on that topic: Jesus power to heal. But, this small set of verses on Jesus coming to Matthew's house was the highlight of Matthew's life. This objection by the Pharisees really tells the story of what Christ was really about. He did come to heal, but He was not simply about healing the body. He was about healing the relationship between God and man. Matthew was an outcast who many would say didn't deserve grace and mercy. Jesus reaches out to Matthew. Matthew was "healed" by Jesus - not in a physical sense. But, Matthew was healed in regard to his personal relationship with God. The psychological impact of that on his life must have been powerful. Today we have people who don't think they deserve love and life. They are outcasts in our society or they are cast out in our circles. Jesus is in the same business today. He takes the outcast and those who struggle with identity and makes life for them. We seldom see the psychological changes that Christ can make but they are as powerful as a healed sight or lame walk. God reaches out and loves those who are unlovely. It is what Grace does.