Open Door Ministries

Today we’re reflecting on the miracle of belonging ✨ Here’s a word from Matthew 9.

“As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.

“And as Jesus reclined at a table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples.

“And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

“But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Just before this, Jesus had healed the paralytic man who was lowered through the roof, forgiving his sins and making him whole. Then he goes and sits at the table with tax collectors and sinners—people the religious leaders strongly disliked, publicly shamed, and believed should be avoided.

The Pharisees were baffled. Why would he do this? Again and again, we see the Pharisees focused on preaching the law, while Jesus continually shows us God’s mercy and grace. They didn’t understand that Jesus came to fulfill the law so that he himself would become our sacrifice.

So, our question for you this week is: Is your righteousness making you stumble? Where in your life do you need to sit with the sinners and be the hands and feet of God rather than becoming a voice of judgment?

And last, but CERTAINLY not least - Sammy from AZ! Serving in the Learning Center!!

Meet Randall!! Serving in Urban Immersion and killin’ it!