What’s the Story – Part 4: Unwritten Rules

Matthew 9 

Jesus walks right up to Matthew and speaks two words: “ .”

• Jesus was
• Jesus was
• Jesus represents ! 

This is a story of . How they are offered and how we respond. 

Jesus Matthew to follow him. Matthews’ response was . 

Matthew in turn, Jesus to come to his house. Jesus’ response was also . 

With Jesus, your history does not define your destiny.

Matthew 9:10-11 “While Jesus was having dinner at Matthews house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples.When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 

Jesus was violating the unwritten rules of common decency. 

Matthew 9:12-13  (NLT) “When Jesus heard this, he said, ‘Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.’ Then he added, ‘now go and learn the meaning of this scripture: (Hosea 6:6) I want you to show mercy, hot offer sacrifices. For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.’”

Why should I talk to people I don’t like or don’t agree with or people who are disgusting to me?

How do we tolerate the intolerable?

Jesus invited . 

• He Listened! 
• He understood. 
• He loved them…regardless of how opposed their views were to his own. 

Even if you win the debate or the argument did you make a friend?

•  Did the other person feel heard?
•  Did they in any way have a sense that you actually cared about them?

How about if we made it a point to intentionally have conversations with people who have a world view or opinion that is radically different then ours?

•  The idea is to learn.
•  Why do they feel that way?
•  What in their background shaped the way they see the world? 

What if by extending love, you unlock the chains that have held people bound?

What if Jesus had walked right past Matthew like everyone else? 

What if Jesus had paid attention to the unwritten rules?

The Matthew story would never have been told!

What’s your story?