This part of Matthew's gospel is very personal to the writer: it is about himself. Matthew's personal testimony is an important part of the gospel account, because he repented of his corrupt way of life and was not ashamed to invite all his former colleagues to meet Jesus. Repentance and joyful witness is at the heart of every true response to the gospel. Matthew wanted his readers to understand that following Jesus is not a religious rite but a wholehearted lifestyle transition which is good for everybody.

In those days, tax collectors were corrupt. They extorted more money than the Romans demanded and kept the rest for themselves. Their dishonesty was so obvious and they were so hated; making them as socially undesirable as prostitutes ('sinners'). Nobody wanted them. But Jesus called Matthew to leave his way of life and follow Him. The cheating accountant left behind his fraudulent financial security for a life of uncertainty - except he believed that Jesus would look after him.

But Matthew did not ignore his colleagues. He was so impressed with Jesus that he wanted them all to meet the Lord. So Matthew hosted a dinner at his house and also invited some of the despised women too. We do not know what Jesus said but it is clear that he was not revolted by their sin. Jesus was simply glad that they had come to Matthew's 'leaving party' where He was the main guest. However, the Pharisees did not approve at all. They thought that if Jesus was a good teacher then he would have nothing to do with bad people. But Jesus reminded His disciples that He had come like a doctor, not to reassure the healthy but to heal people who were morally sick.

The gospel demands a response. The call of Jesus requires an answer. While many like to turn Christianity into a set of rules or a religious club, true believers are repenting of their former lifestyle and are full of joy as they are forgiven and accepted by God. This joy is expressed in a deep desire for their friends and colleagues to know Jesus too. It is not enough to be religiously smug and look down on sinners. If you say you believe in him, have you started to deal with old sinful patterns of life? If you profess to be forgiven, do you have a desire that others might also have their guilt taken away? If you say you know Him, are you introducing others to Him? (Show them www.crosscheck.org.uk)