Matthew Ch 9 vv 1-13

                Matthew was a man with power too, but along with that he suffered the dislike of his fellow Jews for he was not much better than a collaborator with the occupying Romans. Just as Jesus could read what was in the hearts of the lawyers (v 4), so He could see into the heart of this tax collector and knew how much Matthew needed to be healed in spirit if not in body and just how great was his need of real purpose in life. Matthew’s dinner-party was a declaration of his new life. Jesus incurred the wrath of the Pharisees yet again by attending. They would not for a moment count themselves among the sick or the sinners, but in fact their condition was much more serious. Are we aware of our own spiritual condition? Pray for the discernment to know how you are and the wisdom to know where to go for the healing we all need.