He Came for Sinners...

Based on Matthew 1

I'm not sure about you but the first 17 verses of Matthew might be a difficult place to start reading the bible. But while I was reading these verses I thought, if there was any place in the bible to find somewhat perfect people it might be in the heritage of Jesus Christ, right? But that's simply not the case, especially when you look at the 4 women listed in addition to Mary. 

The first is Tamar whose story can be found in Genesis 38. Tamar deceives Judah to get him to sleep with her. She is a liar, deceiver and adulteress, and she is in the earthly heritage of our Messiah.

Next is Rahab, if you are not familiar with the Old Testament, take some time to read about her in Joshua 2:1-7. In verse 1 Rahab is referred to as a prostitute, but she is chosen and entrusted to protect the spies Joshua has sent to Jericho.

Then there's Ruth who seems to have no place in this heritage whatsoever. Ruth is a Moabite in the line of Jewish heritage. But her complete devotion to her mother in law, Naomi sets her apart and allows God to bless her through her relationship with Boaz and their son Obed.Find her story in the book of Ruth Chapters 1-4.

Last but not least, we find a more familiar woman, Bethsheba, again known for her relationship with King David, found in 2 Samuel 11.

As you can see from this very broad overview, nothing about Jesus' heritage is perfect. And so I am again faced with the reality that Jesus did not come for perfect people. But, for me there are times in my walk with Christ that I allow my past to overshadow the present. That I feel unworthy of God's blessings, His calling and even the ministry He has currently assigned me.  But, today as I read through this long list of heritage, I hear the message of Christ loud and clear.

He calls us in the same way he called Matthew, the Tax Collector, Matt.9:9-13 - As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed him. Later, Matthew invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners.  But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with such scum?”

 When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.”  Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”

God's plan has ALWAYS been to offer us new life. To forgive, redeem and help us turn from our current way of living to follow Him.  As you begin to read the New Testament I challenge you to become ever more aware of the gift of new life that Christ offers. Not life that begins when we die, but the new life that begins the day we accept Him as our Lord and Savior. 

Aimee