Matthew Receives an Invitation

Matthew worked collecting taxes. Many people disliked tax collectors and did not want to spend time with them.

One day Jesus saw Matthew sitting at his tax booth. He gave him a simple invitation to follow him.

“Follow me.”

Matthew got up and left the booth.

He began a new life with Jesus. His old work would no longer decide the person he became.

Matthew wanted his friends to meet Jesus too. He prepared a large meal in his house, and many tax collectors and others came.

The guests sat together at the meal.

Some people complained to Jesus' disciples. Why would their teacher eat with people they thought were bad?

Jesus explained that sick people need a doctor. He had come to call people to turn toward God, not to keep away from them.

Welcoming someone does not mean saying that every choice is good. Jesus welcomed people because he loved them and wanted to help them change.

We can give a person a chance to begin again. A mistake or an unkind reputation does not tell their whole story.

Matthew received an invitation, and he chose to answer it.