In our culture, it’s difficult to find an occupation that equates to the despised tax collector from Jesus’ day. Matthew was born a Jew, but once he decided to become a tax collector, he worked for Rome, which means he was considered a traitor by his family, friends, and neighbors. So it’s safe to say that prior to meeting Jesus, Matthew was stuck between two worlds: He was not a Roman and was certainly not considered a Jew.

It’s therefore easy for us to see how Matthew jumps at the chance to follow Jesus. Surely he had heard of Jesus and the stories of miraculous healings. Depending on which commentary you read, he might have already established a relationship with Jesus. Yet all it takes in this moment is two words from Jesus for Matthew to leave behind his life as a tax collector. After Jesus says, “Follow me,” Matthew does just that--he drops everything and literally walks away from everything he knows. What do you need to walk away from in your life?

Is there an unhealthy relationship or friendship that is getting in the way of your relationship with Christ? Are you visiting websites that you are hiding from your spouse? Are you comparing your real life to the Facebook lives of strangers? Husbands, are you planning your date nights with as much creativity as your client dinners? Have you bought into the lie that being too busy for your family makes you a hard worker or a good provider? What priorities that you have you lost sight of?

Jesus invites us not into a life of mundane rule-following but instead into a life of abundance. He wants us to taste and to enjoy life. So here is my encouragement: Know who you are in Christ. Like Matthew, find your home not in your career but in Jesus, even if you think it’s too late. Take a moment today to be still. Listen. What is Jesus inviting you into?

Read the full devotion at https://devotableapp.com/daily-devotion-matthew-9-9-what-is-jesus-inviting-you-into/