The best company...

Matthew 9:10-13 While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Jesus was often criticized for the company He kept: always surrounded by sinners. The Pharisees were always careful about who they associated with, lest they or their reputation be called "unclean." Rather than confront Jesus face to face, they talked behind his back (a sure sign of spiritual maturity). They wanted to create doubt in the hearts and minds of Jesus' followers as they ask "Why?". Jesus' answer is two-fold: "They are the ones who need me," and "they are the ones who admit it." The scripture He cites for the second answer burns His critics: God wants us to want His mercy; He does not need our sacrifices. This was the reverse of the Pharisaic perspective who who would not admit they were needy sinners. From God's view, Jesus chose the best company.