'What I want is mercy......"

"Jesus, I trust in You"

Matthew 9: 9-13

As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, "Follow me." And he got up and followed him. And as he sat at dinner in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came and were sitting with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" But when he heard this, he said, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners."

Possible Journal Questions

1. What does Jesus mean when He says " Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick"? Who are the 'sick' in our society today? In what way do they need help?
2. Why does Jesus mention 'mercy, not sacrifice' when speaking with the Pharisees? What were the Pharisees like?
3. Who are the sinners and who are the righteous in our world?
4. Can you think of a time when you have shown mercy? How did it make you feel?
5. In which way does Jesus ask us to 'follow' him?
6. Think of two things for which you would ask Jesus to forgive you. Tell him you are sorry and ask for the strength not to fail in that area again.