Beyond the Weekend

October 16 | The Meal

October 16, 2018

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. Matthew 9:10

Read: Matthew 9:10

Listen: Matthew 9

TODAY’S MESSAGE

To share a meal was to share a life in the culture of Jesus’ day. Sharing a meal was a way of saying you were on even social and religious status with someone. Religious leaders believed they had to be especially careful who they ate meals with. Yet, Jesus shared a meal with a tax collector. He invited Matthew, a “sinner,” into a relationship. But he didn’t stop there. Jesus had a habit of inviting those at the bottom of society into a relationship. In fact, he had a reputation as a “friend of sinners,” a reputation Jesus seemed to like.

Jesus offers us the same invitation today. We’re often afraid to be known because we fear that if people really knew us—they would not want us. Jesus knows us, knows we are broken and we are sinful. He knows we have caused hurt and even rebelled against God. Even so, he invites us into a relationship. This story tells us there is room at his table for us. Is there room at your table for him? It’s personal. Jesus, the sinless son of God, wants us to walk and fellowship with him.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

Find a quiet place and spend a few minutes thanking God and praising him. First, thank him for knowing you—the good, the bad and everything in-between. Second, praise him for inviting you into a relationship despite all your shortcomings.


Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.

You Might Also Like