Matthew 9:11 – “When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?’”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, the Pharisees question Jesus’ actions as they see Him eating with tax collectors and sinners at Matthew’s house. The Pharisees were religious leaders who prided themselves on strict adherence to the law and separation from anything or anyone they deemed sinful or unclean. Jesus’ decision to dine with people considered morally corrupt and socially unacceptable confused and offended them.
Their question wasn’t sincere curiosity—it was a criticism. They couldn’t understand how someone claiming to be a teacher of God’s ways could associate with such people. This reaction reveals their spiritual blindness and self-righteousness. While they viewed themselves as superior, Jesus was showing that God’s love and forgiveness extend to everyone, including those society rejects.
Historical Context
The Pharisees were a prominent religious group in first-century Judaism known for their strict observance of the law and their additional oral traditions. They saw themselves as guardians of spiritual purity and often looked down on those who didn’t follow the law as meticulously as they did.
In Jewish culture, sharing a meal was a significant act of fellowship and acceptance. By eating with tax collectors and sinners, Jesus was breaking social and religious boundaries. This act would have been shocking to the Pharisees, who believed such associations would make a person spiritually unclean.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the difference between human judgment and God’s grace. The Pharisees judged people by their outward behavior and status, while Jesus looked at their hearts and their need for restoration. It reminds us that no one is beyond God’s reach and that His love isn’t limited by human standards.
It also exposes the danger of self-righteousness. The Pharisees considered themselves holy because of their actions, but their criticism of Jesus shows their lack of understanding of God’s heart for sinners. True holiness doesn’t isolate itself—it seeks to restore.
Literary Analysis
Matthew 9:11 sets up a stark contrast between the Pharisees’ critical attitude and Jesus’ inclusive actions. Their question to the disciples—“Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”—reveals their misunderstanding of Jesus’ mission and character.
The use of the word “sinners” underscores the Pharisees’ judgmental mindset. Instead of seeing people in need of grace, they labeled and condemned them. This sets the stage for Jesus’ response in the following verse, where He explains His purpose in reaching the lost.
Biblical Cross-References
- Luke 15:1-2 – The Pharisees and teachers of the law complain about Jesus welcoming and eating with sinners, leading into parables about God’s love for the lost.
- Isaiah 1:18 – God invites sinners to come and be made clean, showing His willingness to forgive and restore.
- Mark 2:16-17 – A parallel account where Jesus explains that He came to call sinners, not the righteous.
- Romans 3:23-24 – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by His grace.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse challenges us to examine our attitudes toward others. Do we, like the Pharisees, judge and distance ourselves from those we consider “sinners”? Or do we follow Jesus’ example and seek to show love, grace, and acceptance to everyone, regardless of their past or reputation?
This verse also reminds us that we are all in need of God’s grace. Before we judge others, we should remember our own brokenness and the mercy God has shown us.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is evident in Jesus’ willingness to eat with tax collectors and sinners. This act shows that God doesn’t exclude anyone from His love and grace. Instead of avoiding sinners, God moves toward them, offering forgiveness and a new beginning.
Jesus’ actions reflect the heart of God, who desires relationship with all people, not just those who appear righteous. His love breaks down barriers and brings hope to the broken and outcast.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse highlights Jesus’ mission to reach the lost and restore them to God. He wasn’t concerned about maintaining a spotless reputation—He was focused on fulfilling His purpose as the Savior of the world. By associating with sinners, Jesus demonstrated that His kingdom is open to everyone who recognizes their need for Him.
This moment also foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice Jesus would make on the cross, where He would bear the sins of the world to bring salvation to all (John 3:16, 1 Peter 2:24).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Jesus’ willingness to eat with tax collectors and sinners challenge your attitudes toward others?
- Are there people or groups you tend to avoid or judge? How can you show them God’s love?
- What does this verse teach you about God’s grace and the importance of reaching out to those in need of it?
- How can you follow Jesus’ example in building relationships with people who feel excluded or unworthy?
- How does understanding your own need for grace help you extend it to others?