Matthew 9:1–13 | Jesus Forgives and Calls Sinners
Reflection
Matthew 9:1–13 reveals the authority of Jesus to forgive sins and His willingness to call people others considered unworthy.
The passage begins when a paralysed man is brought to Jesus.
Instead of immediately addressing the man’s physical condition, Jesus says, “Your sins are forgiven you.”
Some scribes consider this blasphemy, but Jesus responds by healing the man, demonstrating that the Son of Man truly has authority on earth to forgive sins.
Matthew then records his own call.
Jesus sees him sitting at the tax collection office and says, “Follow me.”
Matthew gets up and follows.
Soon afterward, Jesus is eating with tax collectors and sinners. The Pharisees question why He would associate with such people.
Jesus answers with the picture of a physician: healthy people do not need a doctor, but sick people do.
He then explains His mission clearly:
“I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
Matthew 9:1–13 reminds us that the Gospel begins with recognising our need.
Jesus does not call us because we have already made ourselves righteous. He calls us because we need forgiveness, mercy, and transformation.
At the same time, His mercy is not permission to remain unchanged.
Jesus calls sinners to repentance and discipleship.
Like Matthew leaving the tax collection office, following Christ means receiving grace and allowing that grace to redirect our lives.
