Matthew 9

As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” He told him, and Matthew got up and followed Him. While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with Him and His disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked His disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.” Matthew 9:9-12 NIV

Matthew, who is the author of this book, was a despised tax collector who made a living from taking advantage of other Jews.  Despite his occupation and reputation, Jesus chose him to become one of His disciples.  This is a great example of how God uses all kinds of people to do His work.  No one is beyond His reach and no one is beyond hope.  As followers of Christ we are called to shine God’s light in this dark world.  Although it is good to surround yourself with other Christians for support, we are not to stay away from unbelievers, as they are truly the ones that are in need of God’s love.  You may find it strange to read that Matthew is called to be a follower of Jesus nine chapters into this book, not at the beginning.  Remember that the book of Matthew is not written in chronological order.  Matthew’s main goal was to prove that Jesus truly was the long-awaited Messiah who would become our Savior.

As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed Him, calling out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” When He had gone indoors, the blind men came to Him, and He asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they replied. Then He touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you”; and their sight was restored. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.” Matthew 9:27-30 NIV

Jesus didn’t respond immediately to the blind men’s pleas.  This passage doesn’t mention that He said anything to them, so perhaps He ignored them altogether.  They were persistent, though, and followed Him into the building.  Jesus then asked if they believed that He could heal them.  He healed them after He saw that they had faith.  The Amplified Bible says “according to your faith and trust and reliance on the power invested in Me be it done to you.”  Trust in the One who knows everything and promises good things for you.