Choosing the Disciples
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could not shut their eyes to the fact that he had great influence over
the people; this being the case they were chagrined that he should, by
his example, ignore their prejudices and traditions. When Jesus called
Matthew to follow him their anger knew no bounds that he should
thus honor a hated publican. They openly attacked the disciples on the
subject, and accused them of eating with publicans and sinners.
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“And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold,
many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his
disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples,
Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?” It was with
bitter contempt that they asked this question. Jesus did not wait for
his disciples to answer this scornful charge, but himself replied, “They
that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye
and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice; for I
am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” He here
explained his course by taking the case of a physician, whose work
is not among the well, but among those who are diseased. He who
came to save the sin-sick soul must go among those who most need
his forgiving mercy and pitying love.
Those poor publicans and sinners, although stained with guilt, felt
their need of repentance and pardon. It was the mission of Heaven to
relieve just such want as theirs. Although these persons apparently
disregarded religious rites and observances, yet in heart and life they
were better fitted to become sincere Christians than the Pharisees and
priests who scorned them. Many of them were possessed of noble
integrity, and would not wrong their conscience by rejecting a doctrine
which their reason declared to be true.
Jesus had come to heal the wounds of sin among his own nation,
but they refused his proffered aid; they trampled upon his teachings
and made light of his mighty works. The Lord turned, therefore, to
those who would hear his words. Matthew and his associates obeyed
the summons of the Master and followed him. The despised publican
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became one of the most devoted evangelists. His unselfish heart was
drawn out for souls that needed the light. He did not repulse sinners
by magnifying his own piety, and contrasting it with their sinfulness;
but linked them to himself through kindly sympathy, as he presented
to them the precious gospel of Christ. His labors were attended with
marked success. Many of those who sat at that feast, and listened to