Author: Charlie Garrett

Saturday, 12 April 2025

But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” Matthew 9:13

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

“And having gone, you learn what it is: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call righteous but sinners to reconsideration” (CG).

In the previous verse, Jesus noted that it is not the strong who need a physician but those who are sick. He continues this thought to the Pharisees, saying, “And having gone, you learn what it is.”

The words are intended to demonstrate that the Pharisees had not properly thought things through. They were the ones who supposedly spent all day studying Scripture and applying it to their lives, but they passed right over a main point when considering the sinners around them.

Thus, in saying these words to them, it is like saying, “You need to beat it, go back to school, and obtain right theology in such matters.” He will next directly cite the Scripture that allows Him and even calls him to sit among the taxmen and sinners, saying, “I desire mercy and not sacrifice.”

Jesus cites Hosea 6:6. The verses around that verse speak of the rebellious nature of the people. And yet, despite their constant and revolting rebellion against the Lord, He maintained them as a people. The law required sacrifices for sin, but sacrifices without an accompanying turning of the heart mean less than nothing.

If the people thought they could act in an unholy manner throughout the year and yet be forgiven of all of their sins through a formal right of atonement on Yom Kippur without changing their hearts in the process, they were deceived. They could not just nod off sin as if it didn’t matter.

Rather, they needed reconsideration of their ways. Therefore, Jesus tells them this explicitly with the words, “For I came not to call righteous but sinners to reconsideration.”

Sinners who realized they were sinning and reconsidered their ways were just who Jesus came for. Those who felt justified in their conduct before the Lord were of no value to Him. What good is an arrogant, pompous person who walks around condemning others while not reconsidering the state of his own wicked heart before God. The Lord notes this in Isaiah –

“Who say, ‘Keep to yourself,
Do not come near me,
For I am holier than you!’
These are smoke in My nostrils,
A fire that burns all the day.” Isaiah 65:5

The Pharisees lived in accord with the Law of Moses before the people, but their hearts exalted their own greatness before God because what they did was for show, not because they cared about humility and a heartfelt walk before Him. Jesus is essentially saying, “Despite your outward appearances, I didn’t come to call you. I came for those who you think you are better than. They will have tender hearts and acknowledge what You completely ignore.”

Life application: Jesus never told the people to not obey Moses. However, in their obedience of the written code, He expected them to have hearts willing to acknowledge that the written code was given to show them how corrupt they are before God, to highlight their sin, and to ask them to reconsider their ways.

This isn’t a once-a-year thing where they could live like pagans all year and then be forgiven just to allow them to continue to live like pagans. The very notion of the Day of Atonement was, “You are sinners, you need to have this day or you would be swept from My presence.”

Instead, Israel treated it like a get-out-of-the-consequences-of-sin-free card. Unfortunately, this is how people continue to act today. Jews think they are right before God simply because they are Jews. Catholics think they are right before God simply because they were baptized into the Catholic church.

And people who attend churches all around the world think that because they are saved with an eternal salvation, they can do what they want without consequences. Some go so far as to not only think they are without consequences for sin, but that they have a right to claim even more from God, like prosperity and blessing.

What pleases God is not an ignoring of His glory, but an acknowledgment of it, a walk of humility before Him because of it, and a reconsideration of our ways from day to day as we fall short of that infinite glory.

Our broken hearts for the sins we commit are pleasing to God because they acknowledge His greatness through the pain of having offended Him. Let us be humble before Him, knowing that we are saved by grace and praising Him for that unbelievable goodness all our days.

O God, when we compare our lives before You to the glory of who You are, we can really see what grace means. You have extended favor and salvation to people who are so unworthy of it! And yet, You have extended it because of Jesus. Thank You for Your goodness to us in the giving of Jesus. Amen.

Friday, 11 April 2025

When Jesus heard that, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Matthew 9:12

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

“And Jesus, having heard, He said to them, ‘Not they have need, the “being strong,” of a physician. But the ‘having evil’” (CG).

In the previous verse, Jesus was asked by the Pharisees why He ate with taxmen and sinners. Now, Matthew records, “And Jesus, having heard, He said to them.”

The question would seem logical to the people. They were to be separate from sin and to be a holy nation, but the fact is that people sinned and lived sinful lives. To this point in the history of Israel, there had not been a time that the law had done what it was set forth to do.

With the turning of the kingdom from a bad king to a good one, there would be temporary relief from idolatry and wickedness, but within the turn of a page, a new king would arise who would plunge the land back into evildoing. Rather than the law, it was the heart of the king towards the Lord that would turn the people to the right path.

But kings come and go. The Messiah had arrived to fix this ongoing dilemma. Jesus, the great and final King of Israel (though they did not yet know it) was to be the cure for the sin problem. His response to the Pharisees begins to reveal this, saying, “Not they have need, the ‘being strong,’ of a physician. But the ‘having evil.’”

In these words, the iatros, physician, is introduced. It will be seen seven times, all in the synoptic gospels, with the exception of the last use which will be in Colossians 4:14 when referring to Luke the physician. The word is derived from iaomai, to heal. Thus, it refers to a physician who is there to heal the people.

Jesus equates these sinners to sick people. By implication then, He is claiming to be the Physician who is there to heal them. There is a bit of irony here. The Pharisees were just as sick as the taxmen and sinners they stood accusing Jesus of attending to. However, without acknowledging their state that was sickened with sin, there was no remedy for their ills.

Life application: In the way Jesus is presented in the gospels, there are several overall types that He has come to fulfill. As noted, it is the king who directs the people as they bend to his will. The people followed good kings and bad kings. The law didn’t change, but the heart of the people did.

Jesus is thus the greater King being presented who has come to direct the heart of the people under the law and yet apart from it. In other words, it is not their obedience to the law that makes them right. It is Christ’s.

Likewise, there is the prophetic aspect of how Jesus is presented. The prophets spoke to the people concerning their need for being right with the Lord. Jesus, claiming to be the fulfillment of the words of the prophets, is thus the greater Prophet who directs the people to God through Himself.

He sums up everything that the words of Scripture point to. Thus, He is the embodiment of the written word, even to its finest details. It is “Christ in the contents” being fully fleshed out in Him.

A third aspect of Jesus’ major roles is the priestly line which was designated to administer the law on behalf of the people. Jesus, in fulfillment of the law, and through the shedding of His blood, instituted a New Covenant. This is fully explained in Hebrews, but in the initiation of a New Covenant, there must be a new Priest to minister to the people.

The line of Aaron was not appointed to minister except under the Old Covenant. Therefore, Jesus, in fulfillment of the law and in the introduction of the New Covenant, is the greater High Priest.

As you continue through the gospels, pay heed to these three roles. Consider how He is leading the people to understand His position as the One who embodied or would embody them as His work was completed.

What Israel was anticipating is fully realized in the coming of Jesus Christ to heal the sick and bring about an eternal restoration for His people.

O God, You have done it! You sent Jesus Christ our Lord to accomplish all Your word spoke about the coming One, the Messiah of Israel. In Jesus, it is all accomplished. Praise You, O God, for what You have done! Hallelujah and Amen.

Thursday, 10 April 2025

And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” Matthew 9:11

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

“And the Pharisees, having seen, they said to His disciples, ‘Through what, your Teacher, He eats with the taxmen and sinners?’” (CG).

In the previous verse, Jesus reclined at the table. While there, it noted that many taxmen and sinners also reclined with Him and His disciples. Because of this, a bit of a stir arose. Matthew next says, “And the Pharisees, having seen.”

This is now the third time the Pharisees have been mentioned. The first was in Matthew 3:7 when John called them and the Sadducees a brood of vipers. In Matthew 5:20, Jesus spoke to the people about their need for having a righteousness that exceeded that of the scribes and Pharisees, implying that the Pharisees’ righteousness was not righteous enough.

Now, they are aware of Jesus’ company. Having just noted them as taxmen and sinners, they question the matter. Matthew records that “they said to His disciples, ‘Through what, your Teacher, He eats with the taxmen and sinners?’”

The meaning in standard English is essentially, “What allows your Teacher to do this?” It is a note that He, being a Teacher, should know better. If He is teaching, then what on earth is He doing sitting around with these profane and unrighteous people?

The issue here is that of familiarity and acceptance. People dine with those they are familiar with or intimate with or who they have accepted personally for one reason or another. It may be a social reason, a friendship reason, etc. However, having a meal together generally signifies a bond has been established between those gathered.

The Pharisees would have been incredulous that Jesus was reclining with such people. The term “Pharisee” by its nature means this would have been reprehensible to them. It is from the Hebrew word parash, to separate. Thus, they considered themselves purists and supposedly “separate from sin.”

By default, they would then be separated from sinners, not intermingling with them because of their own supposed holiness. Jesus’ actions probably had them apoplectic.

Life application: Some years ago, the pastor of a large church, James MacDonald, decided to test the congregation by coming to the church dressed like a real bum. He had on old clothes, a fake beard and long hair, along with all the things associated with a homeless person. As he sat outside the church, nobody tended to him.

When church started, he walked in, through the congregation, and to the pulpit where he began removing his hobo attire. He explained that God is giving the same grace to the bums on the street that He is giving to those who had walked by, ignoring the plight of the homeless man.

The Bible reveals this truth throughout its pages. Noah may have found grace in the eyes of the Lord, but so did his son Ham, whose morals were found to be questionable. People from the lines of both of Lot’s daughters entered into the genealogy of Jesus, one of whom was Rahab the harlot when she was spared at the destruction of Jericho.

These and other examples show us that God’s attention is not focused on the self-righteous, wealthy, powerful, or famous. Rather, He is focused on reconciling humanity despite these things. He even did it for a Pharisee named Saul of Tarsus who became Paul the apostle.

If God can save an angry, violent, and self-righteous man like Paul, He can save anyone. But He has placed us in the position of conveying this message to the world. Let us be responsible enough to at least share the message with those we may not agree with or even like.

Jesus sat with taxmen and sinners. Can’t we at least give a tract to them as well? Let us consider those around us as more than enemies when they don’t fit into our life circles. Maybe they don’t, but they can fit into the halls of heaven if we are willing to share the good news with them.

Lord God, thank You for Your wonderful kindness to sinners like us. We brought about the separation and enmity, and yet You have worked in human history to bring that to an end. Help us to remember this and to be willing to help others hear the good news as well. Amen.

Wednesday, 9 April 2025

Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples. Matthew 9:10

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

“And it was, He – reclining in the house. And, you behold! Many taxmen and sinners, having come, they co-reclined with Jesus and His disciples” (CG).

In the previous verse, Jesus called on Matthew to follow Him, which he did. Now, the narrative continues with, “And it was, He – reclining in the house.”

The NKJV, following the KJV, incorrectly includes the name of Jesus. It simply says, “He.” Further, a new word, anakeimai, is used. It comes from ana, up, and keimai, to lie. Thus, it means to recline. It is true that this was normally at a dinner table, but it doesn’t say that, despite many translations inserting that into their translation.

Luke 5:29, however, does reveal that this was a dinner. There, it says, “Then Levi gave Him a great feast in his own house.” Matthew, being the author, does not draw attention to himself but leaves this notable detail for others to include.

While reclining at a meal, which may have included any sort of talk, Matthew next records, “And, you behold! Many taxmen and sinners.”

These words include a second new word, hamartólos, sinners. The word comes from the verb hamartanó. It means to miss the mark and thus err. Erring before God is sin. These were people who were defined by missing the mark. Thus, they were the type who sat in the bars all night, caroused with women, stole, prostituted, etc.

Matthew lumps the taxmen in with sinners. In doing this, it shows the really disgraceful nature of the business he was in. One can see that he shied away from the more noble details, but he was unafraid to include himself in the details that highlighted the base nature of his previous life.

These sinners were people living their lives without considering their position before God. It appears that Matthew was so excited about his calling and his new direction in life that he wanted those he associated with to also know about Jesus and to meet Him personally. Therefore, “having come, they co-reclined with Jesus and His disciples.”

Here is a third new word, sunanakeimai. It is formed from the same word translated as reclined above, but it is prefixed by sun, meaning together or with. Thus, they joined in reclining. Saying co-reclined gets the point across.

Life application: Matthew’s words give us some great insights into how we too should conduct our lives. We were all sinners before God, having lived lives that marked us for condemnation. And yet, by His grace, we have been brought near through the blood of Christ.

Why should we shy away from admitting our past and using it to show others how far we have come? Some in churches think they are so holy that they can ignore the fallen plight of others and revel in their own supposed goodness. But according to the Bible, that is a ridiculous proposition. Even Paul, who was a Pharisee, admitted his past was just like everyone else –

“And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, ² in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, ³ among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.” Ephesians 2:1-3

Another point about Matthew’s words is that he didn’t just admit his past and move on. Rather, he joyfully brought the sinners he associated with to a meeting with Jesus. What is the point of getting saved and then secluding yourself away from the very people who need him as you once did?

But this is the doctrine of so many churches. It is as if a clean break from the past is necessary to make one holy. Paul again says otherwise –

“I wrote to you in my epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people. ¹⁰ Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world.” 1 Corinthians 5:9, 10

Paul understood that we live in a fallen world, and we had every right and responsibility to associate with those who were unsaved. In fact, Paul’s duties as a missionary would have been completely pointless if he only went to believers… because there were none where he normally went.

Rather, Paul continues in his epistle saying –

“But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person.” 1 Corinthians 5:11

The people we need to avoid are those who profess to be Christians but who do not live up to the standard they are called to. Too often, the church gets this completely upside down.

Glorious God, may we do what is right and proper in Your presence. When we fall short, may we acknowledge it and press on in Your grace. But help us to remember to bring along those who have not yet known You or Your grace. May we faithfully witness concerning Your goodness to those around us. Amen.

Tuesday, 8 April 2025

As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” So he arose and followed Him. Matthew 9:9

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

“And Jesus, passing thence, He saw a man sitting upon the tax-booth, being called Matthew. And He says to him, ‘You follow Me.’ And, having arisen, he followed Him” (CG).

In the previous verse, it noted that the multitudes marveled and glorified God who had given such power to men as to heal the paralytic. As noted, the healing was both physical and spiritual. Jesus had said that the man’s sins were forgiven. The fact that He healed the man physically substantiated His words concerning forgiveness. Thus, the crowds marveled. Next, it says, “And Jesus, passing thence.”

A new word is found here, “paragó.” It is derived from para, beside, and agó, to lead, bring, carry, etc. Therefore, it signifies “to lead near.” Strong’s Lexicon says –

“The verb ‘paragó’ is used in the New Testament to describe the action of leading or bringing something or someone alongside or past a certain point. It can imply a physical movement or a metaphorical passage, such as the passing of time or events.”

To understand the metaphorical meaning, Paul says in 1 Corinthians 7:31, “For the form of this world is passing away [paragó].”

Looking at the eight literal uses of the word in the gospels, each gives the sense of passing near a person or persons who become a part of the ongoing narrative. Such is the case here where Matthew next records, “He saw a man sitting upon the tax-booth.”

Here is another new word, telónion. It is derived from telónés, the dreaded tax collector who seems to pop up in every society. In this case, the word telónion refers to his place of business. Today, we might say “tax office.” In the case of Israel at the time, it was probably a booth or a table where taxes were collected. Of this person, a typical dreaded and disdained publican, it next says, “being called Matthew.”

In Mark, the name is Levi the son of Alphaeus. Luke simply calls him Levi. They are the same person, but Matthew anticipates his designated apostolic name at this time. In the selection of the apostles, both Mark and Luke will call him Matthew. Of him, he next records, “And He says to him, ‘You follow Me.’”

Although it is only speculation, it is possible that this calling actually comes after some sort of previous interaction. It may be that Matthew has heard Jesus speak, or they may have personally conversed about some matter or another.

Whatever is the case, Jesus knew that this person was ready to leave his duties as a tax collector and take on a completely different pursuit. And so, it next says, “And, having arisen, he followed Him.”

Matthew made the wisest decision he could possibly have made. He may not have even realized it at the time. Or it may be that in hearing that this man could forgive sins (based on the previous passage), he may have thought, “This is what I need. I’m a reprobate to my society and a sinful man.” Whatever prompted him, he heard the call and responded.

Life application: There is a calling to come to Jesus to be saved. If you have responded to that through belief, you are saved. But there may be an additional calling upon you. You may have the inner desire prompting you to become a missionary, tell others about the word, become a preacher, or plaster your car with Jesus bumper stickers.

Whatever you are prompted to do, if it is glorifying of God and not contrary to the Bible, don’t quench it. Rather, respond in a manner that will get the ball rolling and then continue to do what is necessary to keep it going. Fan the flames of the passion within you.

Matthew was asked to follow, and He did. You may have been designed by God in your makeup, time, position, etc., to follow Him in a particular way. So, get up and go!

As a bonus concerning tax collectors and what Matthew was brought out of, take time today to listen to Taxman by the Beatles. A couple thousand years after Matthew was brought out of his life of taxing others, people still write about what they think about this profession. If a taxman can be called by Jesus to do other, greater things, so can you.

Lord God, You have called sinners to come unto You through the precious shed blood of Christ. I’m a sinner! I responded on that glorious day. Now, help me to continue to follow closely beside You all my days. To Your glory, I pray. Amen.