On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” – Matthew 9:12-13.

In Matthew 9, we see how Jesus meets Matthew, a tax collector. At that time, tax collectors were viewed with disdain by society. They were considered sinners and traitors because of their collaboration with the Romans and their reputation for collecting more taxes than necessary, enriching themselves at the expense of their own people. That’s why people saw them as outcasts and sinners. From the account, Jesus goes to Matthew’s house to have dinner. While there, many tax collectors and “sinners” came and ate with him and his disciples.

Our verse for today was Jesus’ response to the Pharisees who questioned why he was eating with tax collectors and sinners. He explained that his mission was to bring salvation to those who recognized their need for it, highlighting the importance of mercy and compassion towards those who may be considered outcasts or sinners.

Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Jesus’ response shows us the importance of compassion and mercy towards others, even those who may be considered outcasts or sinners by society. We must understand one thing though, His association with Matthew and the other “sinners” was not an endorsement of their action. Rather, His desire to bring the gospel to them facilitated that. We must all not forget that Matthew becomes His disciple eventually.

Through Jesus’ example, we must learn to show love and understanding to all, remembering that everyone deserves God’s grace and forgiveness. It is my prayer that we will overcome any spirit of prejudice and contempt that seems to come up when we are supposed to engage “outcasts” in society.