Monday, June 1, 2026

Matthew 9:9-10

9 As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax-collection station, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him. 10 And as he sat at dinner in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came and were sitting with Jesus and his disciples. 

The first congregation I served was in a small town of about 300 people. There were seven churches and one bar—Curly’s. I knew that serving in a small town meant that there were no secrets. For example, the society page contributor for the weekly paper lived across the street from us, and if we had family visiting us, we could later read about it in the paper. 

As a brand-new pastor I had no idea if Curly’s was off-limits to me or not. I picked up from the respected members of the congregation that the bar wasn’t held in high regard, so... Looking back, I regret that I never set foot in there. 

Jesus’ love for all of us meant he made himself available to everyone and went where he was invited. That’s how he ended up at the tax collector’s house for dinner with Matthew’s friends… those who didn’t fit in. I love that about Jesus, because if he made room for them, then I know he has made room for me. 

– Pr. Paul

Lord Jesus, teach me to be more like you. Help love people enough to see past people’s exterior and learn about who they are on the inside. Amen.