I HAVE NOT COME TO CALL THE RIGHTEOUS, BUT SINNERS

Matthew 9:1-13
Key Verses: 9:12-13

   "On hearing this, Jesus said,  It is not the healthy who need a
    doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: "I
    desire mercy, not sacrifice." For I have not come to call the
    righteous, but sinners.'"
 

1. Read verses 1-2. When Jesus returned to his own town, who met him?
   What did they want? What moved Jesus' heart? Why? What did Jesus
   say? What do his words teach us about the man? About the nature of
   sin? About Jesus?

2. Read verses 3-8. What was the response of the religious leaders?
   What did Jesus say? Why is criticism of Jesus evil? How did Jesus
   heal the man and demonstrate his authority to forgive sins? How did
   the crowds respond?

3. Read verses 9-10. Who was Matthew? What reveals him as a selfish
   sinner?  What might his life as a tax collector be like?

4. What did Jesus say to him? What did this mean? How did he respond?
   Why?  What shows his changed life and new joy?

5. Read verses 11-13. What did Jesus teach those who criticized him?
   Why? Read verses 14-17. How are Jesus' disciples different from the
   Pharisees? Why must they be? Explain the three metaphors Jesus
   used.