A lot has changed since the days of Jesus, but some things are still the same. People have never been fond of taxes or the people who collect them. Here’s a fun riddle:
Q: How much did the IRS take from the moon?
A: Four quarters
(Trust me! This is one of the more “mild” jokes I could locate.)
This Sunday we continue our sermon series called “Awakened!” Each week we take a look at a person whose path crossed the path of Jesus of Nazareth; they were never the same following their encounter with Jesus, who is the Christ.
This week we will study Matthew, the tax collector, who was invited by Jesus to be a part of changing the world. Jesus simply said to him, “Follow me.” What followed was an immediate response, without excuses. The writer of Matthew’s gospel records after Jesus’ invitation: “he got up and followed him.” Matthew is so excited about closing up shop and following Jesus that he invites Jesus to join his friends at a dinner party in his home…that’s where all the real drama happens!
Join us this Sunday for a “deep dive” into this important conversation with Matthew, the dinner party, and Jesus’ response to the critical onlookers.
May God richly bless you as you seek ways to model Christ who chose mercy and grace over marginalization and judgment.
Peace,
Pastor Cathy Johns