Jesus and the Tax Collectors

Jesus and the Tax Collectors
Matthew 9:9-13

 The points of the passage: 
1.       Jesus called Matthew to Himself, and Matthew wasn’t ashamed of it. 
          ·        Application #1 - Don’t be ashamed of knowing and following Jesus.
2.       The Pharisees were concerned with social classification, and Jesus was concerned with spiritual condition.
          ·        Application #2 - Focus on the condition of souls. 
3.       Jesus chaps the Pharisees again.
          ·        Application #3 - Recognize the authority of Jesus. 
4.       The main point: God prioritizes mercy over religion.  
           ·        Main Application: Reflect the mercy of God more than the rules of religion.