Everyday Disciple – Week 2
🕊️ Crosspoint Community Church Blog
Everyday Disciple: Week 2
“From Tax Booth to Table: Finding Our Place in Jesus’ Upside-Down Kingdom”
đź“Ť The Scene
The scene is familiar to many of us—Jesus walking up to Matthew’s tax booth and calling him to discipleship. But this isn’t just an ancient story; it’s a powerful reminder of how Jesus continues to call unlikely people into His kingdom today.
✝️ The Call from Our “Tax Booth”
Matthew was literally sitting in the place that defined his sin when Jesus called him. As a tax collector, he was considered “scum” by his society—a thief, a traitor, someone beyond redemption. Yet Jesus saw past all of that.
Reflection Questions:
- What “tax booth” are you sitting in right now?
- What defines you that you think disqualifies you from following Jesus?
- How has your past or current situation made you feel unworthy of God’s call?
- What would it look like for you to “get up and follow” Jesus today?
🍽️ The Table of Grace
Perhaps even more shocking than Matthew’s call was Jesus’ willingness to dine with “tax collectors and sinners.” In that culture, sharing a meal meant accepting and embracing someone. Jesus wasn’t just tolerating these outcasts—He was welcoming them into fellowship.
Reflection Questions:
- Who do you consider “unworthy” of sitting at your table?
- How might your attitude toward others reflect or contradict Jesus’ example?
- What steps can you take to make your “table” (your life, home, church) more welcoming to others?
đź’– Heart Transformation vs. Box Checking
The sermon powerfully reminds us that Jesus is more concerned with heart transformation than religious box-checking. The Pharisees were masters at following rules but missed the heart of God’s mercy.
Reflection Questions:
- Are you more focused on following rules or experiencing heart change?
- What “boxes” are you trying to check to feel worthy of God’s love?
- How can you move from behavior modification to genuine transformation?