When the despised tax collector, Matthew, decided to follow Jesus, he immediately prepared a lavish feast to celebrate. Included in the invitation were Matthew’s friends, sinners all, cheating rabble-rousers, hated by law-abiding Jewish leaders. To their shock and dismay, Jesus gladly attended!


Note two lessons here. First, inviting someone into my home is a giant step deeper into relationship, opening myself up to say, “This is me, for better or worse. Take a good look.” Matthew wanted to know Jesus and be known by Him…his smudged character, the raucous lifestyle from which Jesus would redeem him.


Secondly, Matthew no doubt wanted his friends to meet this life-changing man as well, to share Jesus’ message with those least likely to hear it. As we step out of our comfort zones to involve ourselves with those needing God’s saving grace, the Lord will use us to impact lives. Jesus stepped into the mess of sin that day and shone His healing light on it. It was – and still is – His love that draws sinners to Him.