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Matthew 9:11 (BSB)
When the Pharisees saw this, they asked His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
THE HOLY BIBLE
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Scripture quotations (main text) are from the Berean Study Bible (BSB), © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, is used for comparison and word study only.
Bible Copyright & Permissions“When the Pharisees saw this, they asked His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”” — Matthew 9:11
Imagine you're in a lively gathering, filled with laughter and chatter, where the unexpected is taking place. Here, Jesus is mingling with people considered outcasts—tax collectors and those labeled as sinners. The Pharisees, who pride themselves on their strict adherence to rules and regulations, can’t believe what they’re seeing. They approach Jesus' disciples, puzzled and a bit scandalized, asking, 'Why does your teacher associate with those people?' This moment captures a clash of values: the open-hearted love of Jesus versus the judgment of the religious elite. It’s a powerful reminder that Jesus seeks out those who feel excluded, challenging societal norms and expectations right here and now.
The book of Matthew was written by one of Jesus' own disciples, Matthew, who was a tax collector himself! He shares this detail about Jesus eating with tax collectors and sinners because he knows firsthand what it’s like to be judged and excluded. Matthew's experience adds authenticity to the story; he’s telling us that Jesus doesn’t just preach about love and acceptance—He lives it. This perspective makes the story relatable, showing that even someone who was once on the outside can find a place at the table.
This story is set in first-century Judea, a time when strict religious rules governed society. The Jewish people were living under Roman occupation, which made tax collectors particularly despised—they were seen as traitors working for the enemy. Social circles were tightly defined, and those who didn’t fit in were often shunned. Understanding this context helps you see just how radical Jesus’ actions were. He didn’t just break bread with the ‘acceptable’ people; he sought out those everyone else ignored, which was revolutionary in that culture.
This verse matters today because it challenges us to rethink who we include in our lives. It’s easy to stick with people who look, act, or think like us, but Jesus shows us that love knows no boundaries. If you ever feel like you don’t belong or if you’ve ever judged someone based on their past or choices, this moment invites you to reconsider. It reminds you that everyone deserves a seat at the table, including those who are often overlooked or marginalized. It’s a powerful nudge to embrace inclusivity in a world that can feel divisive.
This week, look for opportunities to connect with someone who might feel left out. It could be a classmate who sits alone at lunch or a neighbor you haven’t spoken to. Reach out, say hello, and invite them into your circle. You don’t have to have deep conversations right away; sometimes, just sharing a meal or a moment can make all the difference. Think about how you can create an atmosphere of acceptance and love in your everyday interactions, just like Jesus did.
Leading up to this moment, Jesus has been performing miracles and teaching with authority, drawing crowds and stirring excitement. He just called Matthew, a tax collector, to follow Him—an act that raised eyebrows since tax collectors were often viewed as traitors and thieves. When Jesus sits down to eat with Matthew and his friends, it’s a bold statement. The Pharisees’ question underscores the tension in the story: they represent a system that shuns those deemed unworthy, while Jesus embodies a radical inclusivity. This moment pushes the narrative forward, highlighting the contrast between the religious leaders’ attitudes and Jesus’ mission of reaching out to everyone, especially those on the margins.
Who in your life might you be overlooking or judging, and how can you take a step towards including them in your circle?
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