What is the meaning of Matthew 9:10? Later • Matthew places the scene immediately after Jesus says to the newly called tax collector, “Follow Me” (Matthew 9:9). The word “Later” assures us this meal really happened in history, flowing naturally from Matthew’s conversion. • Parallel accounts line up the timing the same way (Mark 2:15; Luke 5:29), showing the Gospel writers agree on the order of events. • The sequence underlines Jesus’ pattern: He rescues someone, then quickly celebrates the rescue (John 2:12; Luke 19:6). as Jesus was dining • Table fellowship in Scripture signals acceptance and relationship. Jesus does not stay at arm’s length; He sits down to eat—just as He promises every believer in Revelation 3:20. • Critics would later label Him “a friend of tax collectors and sinners” (Matthew 11:19), but this meal proves the label true in the best sense. • Meals with Jesus also teach: He supplies, He satisfies (John 6:35), and He welcomes those who hunger for grace (Isaiah 55:1–2). at Matthew’s house • The host is a brand-new disciple. Salvation instantly produces hospitality; Matthew opens his home just as Lydia will in Acts 16:15. • Inviting Jesus into his ordinary space mirrors how Levi’s heart has already been opened to Him. Compare the similar scene with Zacchaeus (Luke 19:5–7). • The setting answers any doubt that Christ seeks out the lost where they live, not merely in religious settings (Luke 14:21). many tax collectors and sinners • “Many” tells us Matthew’s circle was large—and Jesus did not limit the guest list. Luke 15:1–2 shows how crowds of outsiders felt safe approaching Him. • Tax collectors collaborated with Rome and were despised; “sinners” covered everyone judged morally unclean. Yet Romans 5:8 declares Christ dies “while we were still sinners,” and 1 Timothy 1:15 calls it His mission statement. • Their presence fulfills Hosea 6:6, which Jesus will quote in verse 13: God desires mercy, not ceremony. came and ate with Him and His disciples • The guests “came”—they were drawn, not coerced. Jesus’ earlier words, “Come to Me” (Matthew 11:28), are already bearing fruit. • “Ate with Him” shows full acceptance. Shared food meant shared life (Acts 11:3). Jesus never compromises holiness, yet He refuses to isolate Himself from those who need it (Luke 7:34). • The disciples are at the table too, learning by experience that the gospel is for all peoples (Galatians 2:12 later shows Peter’s struggle with the lesson). summary Matthew 9:10 reveals the heart of Jesus: immediately after redeeming Matthew, He enters the new disciple’s world and celebrates with the very people society shuns. The verse shows literal, historical fellowship that models gospel inclusion without diluting holiness. Jesus welcomes sinners who respond to His call, and He trains His followers to do the same, making the dinner table a living picture of mercy and mission. |
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