You Associate with who?!

Matthew 9:10-13 (NIV): While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house; many tax collectors and "sinners" came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this; they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?" On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

Back in the day of Jesus, your job defined who you were. The tax collectors were thought of as traitors to the Jewish nation, even Roman sympathizers.

In today’s society, there is often a class system. We judge where we live by its location. Many pick and choose those we hang out with by how much money individuals have or how they look or dress. Some even choose those we go out with by age, and physical appearance.

Where are you in your relationships? Do you judge people based on appearance and financial status? Do you talk to or not talk to people because you are afraid that you will be looked down upon if you interact with people who are in a lower financial class than you?

Next time you pass someone, just remember you could be that tax collector.

Prayer:
“God, thank you for not judging me the way I judge others. I know there are many times when I’m seen as that tax collector. Thank you for Your love and forgiveness. Amen.”