Have you ever noticed that of the original 12 apostles, not a single one was a Pharisee or a Levite or a member of the Sanhedrin? Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea would later be counted among Jesus’ disciples, but they were not among those called to publicly preach the Gospel. But St. Matthew was, a man who was considered one of the lowest of the low in society, a tax collector. What could this mean? “Those who are well have no need of a physician,” Jesus said. “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” Notice that in the text appointed for this Festival of St. Matthew, the call issued to Matthew is not the call to the apostolic office, but the call to faith. This cheating, back-stabbing tax collector was called out of his unbelief and brought to repentance so that he might take his place among God’s children. Was he worthy of this call? No. None of us are. Jesus didn’t come for those who are already convinced that they are righteous and have no need of salvation. He came for people like Matthew and that other well-known tax collector, Zaccheus, who are sick with sin, who fear God’s wrath, and who hunger and thirst for God’s mercy and forgiveness. If that is you, then come and receive from the Great Physician the healing that you need – the forgiveness of all of your sins. I look forward to seeing you this coming Lord’s Day.
Pastor Ulmer