At that time, as Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax office; and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.

And as he sat at the table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” But when Jesus heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

1. In the beginning of this Gospel passage, who does Jesus invite to follow Him? Does he?

2. Who came to sit with Jesus and his disciples? Why do you think they came?

3. When the Pharisees notice this, what do they do? Why do you think it bothers them?

4. Jesus uses a metaphor of sick people, not healthy ones, needing physicians. What was He telling the Pharisees?

5. Jesus gives the Pharisees a homework assignment! He says, “Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’” What do you think He meant by that? Ask your godparent or priest what it means.