Matthew held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus answered them, “It’s not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I haven’t come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (Lk.5:29–32)
Dear Jesus, this story fuels my longing for the banquet of all banquets—the Wedding Feast of the Lamb. Who’ll be there? Messes like me you’ve “mercified!” Only those “low” enough to receive grace, humble enough to boast in your righteousness alone, free enough to wear a wedding garment we could never buy.
Thank you for making me and my praying friends a part of your broken-yet-beloved bride. We’ve got no problem acknowledging our sickness and receiving your remedy. Jesus, there is no greater friend of sinners than you. Thank you for eating and drinking, reclining and dining, fellowshipping and communing with the likes of us. Thank you for desiring and delighting in us. We still struggle to believe that you do, so heal and free us.
And Jesus, make us more like Matthew—so impacted by your love that we’re constantly throwing mini-grace-banquets for our friends. Turn our appointments, work assignments, walks, churches, and playtime into picnics and parties of your presence and kindness. Turn our family gatherings into occasions where you’re always filling the empty seat—actually the best seat. Make our concave hearts convex—far more welcoming and friendly, always assuming you are seeking and reaching people all around us. Indeed, Matthew “rocks,” but make us more like yourself, Jesus. So Very Amen.