Myths don’t just live in everyday life; they’re deeply rooted in our religious beliefs, too. One of the most damaging myths? The idea that religious people are always kind and loving. In Matthew 9, we see Jesus doing the unexpected. He calls Matthew, a tax collector despised by his own people, to follow Him. Later, Jesus shares a meal with Matthew, other tax collectors, and so-called sinners. This sparks outrage among the Pharisees, who question why Jesus would associate with such bad people. But Jesus recognized what the Pharisees missed—Matthew’s heart was ready for change.
Religious appearances don’t impress Jesus; what matters is a genuine relationship with Him. Jesus sees beyond our mistakes and failures, valuing those whom our world often overlooks. He’s not here for the “perfect” but for the broken, the flawed, and the lost. Let’s focus on the truth: Jesus is passionate about people, and He sees the worth in everyone, even when others can’t.