Matthew 9:9-13
Summary for Matt 9:9-13: 9:9-13 a Jesus, as Lord and Messiah, tore down the barriers that prevented righteous Jews from intermingling with those who were unclean or sinful. 9:9 b Matthew was also called Levi (Mark 2:14 c). Matthew might have had two names, or he might have been given a new name by Jesus.9:10 d The Jewish people despised Jewish tax collectors (5:46-47 e; 18:15-20 f), who cooperated with Roman oppressors and were considered betrayers of the Israelite nation. Many also considered them unclean because of their frequent contact with Gentiles and because of the idolatrous images on Roman coins. Tax-collection was a private enterprise. In each district, Rome granted the right to collect taxes to the highest bidder (cp. Luke 19:1-10 g). Anything collected above the bid was profit for the collectors, who, driven by greed, often used extortion.
9:13 h I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices: God’s desire is applied to the question of table fellowship with sinners; Jesus’ mercy in eating with sinners contrasts with the Pharisees’ separation from sinners (symbolized as sacrifices).
• Jesus revealed the true spiritual condition of the Pharisees, who think they are righteous; they failed to recognize that they were in fact unrighteous and in need of the Messiah’s salvation. See 7:1-5 i; 8:11-12 j; 19:30 k; 20:16 l; 21:43 m.
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