Matthew 9:10 describes a scene that was likely shocking and scandalous to many in Jesus's time. Let's break down the meaning:
"As he sat in the house...": This likely refers to Matthew's (the tax collector who became a disciple) house. Jesus and his disciples were guests at a meal.
"...behold, many tax collectors and sinners came...": "Tax collectors" were generally despised because they worked for the Roman Empire, often extorting money from their own people. "Sinners" was a broad term for those considered morally or ritually impure, people who didn't follow the strict interpretations of Jewish law. This verse suggests that these people were not just passing by, but were intentionally coming to where Jesus was.
"...and sat down with Jesus and his disciples.": Sharing a meal was a sign of fellowship and acceptance in that culture. This act of Jesus eating with "tax collectors and sinners" was highly controversial. It implied that Jesus was associating with and accepting people considered outcasts and morally questionable by the religious authorities.
In summary, the verse means:
Jesus was willingly spending time and sharing a meal with people who were considered social and religious outcasts. This act of inclusion and acceptance was a direct challenge to the prevailing social norms and religious exclusivity of the time. It highlighted Jesus's ministry to those on the margins of society and his willingness to offer them grace and forgiveness.
Significance:
This verse is significant because it demonstrates Jesus's radical approach to ministry. He was not concerned with maintaining social status or religious purity. Instead, he sought out those who were marginalized and offered them a place at his table. This story illustrates a key theme in the Gospel of Matthew: Jesus came to call not the righteous, but sinners. It also foreshadows the conflict between Jesus and the religious leaders who criticized his association with such people.
Matthew 9:10 describes a scene that was likely shocking and scandalous to many in Jesus's time. Let's break down the meaning:
"As he sat in the house...": This likely refers to Matthew's (the tax collector who became a disciple) house. Jesus and his disciples were guests at a meal.
"...behold, many tax collectors and sinners came...": "Tax collectors" were generally despised because they worked for the Roman Empire, often extorting money from their own people. "Sinners" was a broad term for those considered morally or ritually impure, people who didn't follow the strict interpretations of Jewish law. This verse suggests that these people were not just passing by, but were intentionally coming to where Jesus was.
"...and sat down with Jesus and his disciples.": Sharing a meal was a sign of fellowship and acceptance in that culture. This act of Jesus eating with "tax collectors and sinners" was highly controversial. It implied that Jesus was associating with and accepting people considered outcasts and morally questionable by the religious authorities.
In summary, the verse means:
Jesus was willingly spending time and sharing a meal with people who were considered social and religious outcasts. This act of inclusion and acceptance was a direct challenge to the prevailing social norms and religious exclusivity of the time. It highlighted Jesus's ministry to those on the margins of society and his willingness to offer them grace and forgiveness.
Significance:
This verse is significant because it demonstrates Jesus's radical approach to ministry. He was not concerned with maintaining social status or religious purity. Instead, he sought out those who were marginalized and offered them a place at his table. This story illustrates a key theme in the Gospel of Matthew: Jesus came to call not the righteous, but sinners. It also foreshadows the conflict between Jesus and the religious leaders who criticized his association with such people.