“Matthew’s Motley Crew: Sharing Good News Interpersonally”
Luke 5:27-32 Apr.22, 2007 Play
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‘Fishers of Men’: What’s Your Angle?
○ huge sturgeon caught by small hook
○ people leery of some types of ‘evangelism’,
hook - like telemarketing (Mt 4:19)
○ truly Good News requires unconditional love
○ love for neighbour unselfish, sacrificial -
if as Jesus loved (Mt 22:39; Jn 13:34, 15:13f)
An Amazing Association
○ miraculous catch of fish, healing of leper
& paralytic: everyone amazed (5:6,15,26)
○ Levi’s call comparatively un-dramatic (27;
Jn 1:48)
○ chasm separating tax collector socially:
despised, hated, ‘scum’ (5:30; Lk 19:8)
○ complete dedication required for tax
collector to quit job
Inviting the Unexpected
○ Levi representative of all believers:
foolish, weak, lowly, despised (1Cor 1:26ff)
○ need to admit our need of a doctor, e.g.
murderous thoughts (Rom 3:10ff; Lk 5:31f; Mt 5:21f)
○ Good News that Jesus came to save sinners -
even the worst (Lk 19:10; 1Tim 1:15f)
Throw a ‘Matthew Party’
○ large crowd of fellow tax-gatherers natural
pool for friendship-evangelism (5:29)
○ interpersonal style: warm, people-centred,
deep communication
○ golfing, holiday events, share a meal, watch
sports, share babysitting / outdoor work
○ former friends / school acquaintances may
respond to contact