Jesus implied that He was a Doctor and Matthew was sin-sick. He had sinned by putting money ahead of God and people. He had collaborated with the Romans in oppressing the Israelites through the corrupt exacting of taxes. Matthew was sick of sin, sick of work, and sick of life. Dr. Jesus made a "house call" at Matthew's office, calling him out of sin-sickness into a healed and abundant life.
Dr. Jesus healed Matthew by eating with him (Mt 9:10), dying for him (Jn 15:13), and pouring out the Spirit on him. He made Matthew whole so he could become an apostle, a missionary, and a Gospel writer. Matthew was so transformed by his life in the Spirit that he laid down his life for Jesus. He was so healed he could be wounded out of love for his Healer and Lord.
The Lord wants to heal you from sickness and for ministry, sacrifice, and persecution, even to the death. Be a Matthew.
| PRAYER: | "Heal me, Lord, that I may be healed; save me, that I may be saved, for it is You Whom I praise" (Jer 17:14). |
| PROMISE: | "It is He Who gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers in roles of service for the faithful to build up the body of Christ." –Eph 4:11-12 |
| PRAISE: | St. Matthew concludes his Gospel with Jesus' promise, "Know that I AM with you always" (Mt 28:20). |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College