Jesus loves outcasts. That’s why the first three gospel accounts record the call of Matthew. Jesus wants us to know that no one is beyond His saving grace. By inviting Matthew into His circle of friends, Jesus showed that He can take and transform anyone. Today we will discover four features in the interaction of Jesus and this tax collector.

I. His Profession (vv. 13-14a)

II. His Invitation (v. 14)

III. His Decision (v. 14b)

IV. His Celebration (vv. 15-17)

Learn Your Bible: Reflect on Romans 6:14 and Ephesians 2:8-9 as you walk in the Lord’s grace.

Love Your Neighbor: Find one practical way to love someone in your circle this week—or sign up to serve our community through Love Month at lovenm.org/serve.

Live in Freedom: Spend time in worship and thank the Lord for His calling and purpose in your life.

I. Adapt to the Situation

II. Apprehend the Scripture

III. Apply Your Story

Learn Your Bible: Spend time studying the big picture of Scripture—how the Bible points to Jesus from beginning to end—so you can be ready to share it with others.

Love Your Neighbor: Is there someone God’s placed in your life who may be spiritually curious or searching for truth?

Live in Freedom: This week, what step can you take to be available, obedient, and ready to share Jesus when God opens the door?

Eric Metaxas is the author of seven New York Times bestsellers, including the million-selling biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and his latest, Revolution: The Birth of the Greatest Nation in the History of the World. He is the host of Socrates in the City and The Eric Metaxas Show. His work has been translated into more than twenty-five languages and has appeared in leading national publications.

One of the singular notable qualities of Jesus Christ was His ability to know what was most important at any given moment. He always seemed to move His life carefully around a fixed set of spiritual priorities. Today we compare what others wanted with what Jesus knew they needed.

I. They Pursued Wonder; Jesus Preached the Word (vv. 1-2)

II. They Felt Suffering; Jesus Forgave Sin (vv. 3-5)

III. They Displayed Pessimism; Jesus Demonstrated Power (vv. 6-12)

Learn Your Bible: Meditate on Matthew 6:25-34 and ask the Lord for wisdom in reordering the priorities of your daily life.

Love Your Neighbor: Take time to be the friend who brings those you care about to Jesus this week—through prayer, presence, or by pointing them back to His calling for their lives.

Live in Freedom: Where have you been prioritizing what feels urgent over what Jesus showed us is most important, and what would it look like to surrender that concern to Him?