From Enemies to Allies

Scripture:
Matthew 9:9-13 - "As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office, and He said to him, 'Follow Me!' So he got up and followed Him. While He was reclining at the table in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came as guests to eat with Jesus and His disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked His disciples, 'Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?' But when He heard this, He said, 'Those who are well don’t need a doctor, but the sick do. Go and learn what this means: I desire mercy and not sacrifice. For I didn’t come to call the righteous, but sinners.'"

Devotional:
In the political landscape of Jesus' time, two of His disciples, Matthew the tax collector and Simon the Zealot, found themselves on opposite ends of the political spectrum. Matthew, a tax collector, was viewed as a traitor by his fellow Jews for working with the Roman oppressors, collecting taxes and likely exploiting his own people for personal gain. On the other hand, Simon was a Zealot, part of a radical group that believed in using violence to overthrow Roman rule. By worldly standards, these two men should have been enemies, yet Jesus chose them both to be His disciples.
In today’s polarized world, it’s easy to fall into the mindset that someone who thinks differently politically is an enemy. But Jesus shows us a different way. He calls people from all walks of life—those on the left, those on the right, and everyone in between—and unifies them under His love, grace, and mission. Matthew and Simon’s transformation is a powerful example of how Jesus bridges divides and unites us under the banner of His kingdom.
What makes this even more significant is that both Matthew and Simon had to leave behind their old allegiances and embrace a new identity in Christ. Their political affiliations no longer defined them; instead, their faith in Jesus became the central aspect of their lives. They found unity not in a political ideology but in their shared faith and their call to follow Jesus.

Reflection Questions:
    1. Have you ever found it difficult to love someone with opposing political views? How does Matthew and Simon’s story challenge you in this area?
    2. What allegiances or identities do you need to set aside in order to fully embrace your identity in Christ?
    3. How can you promote unity and grace, even in areas of political or ideological disagreement?

Application:
Spend time reflecting on any personal biases or divisions you may have fostered toward those with different views or backgrounds. Ask God to give you His heart for unity, seeing others as He does. If there’s someone you’ve distanced yourself from because of political differences, consider reaching out to them this week, extending grace and love as Jesus did.

Closing Prayer:
Lord, thank You for uniting us in Your love and grace, despite our differences. Help me to see others as You see them, and to love them with the same mercy and compassion You’ve shown me. Tear down any walls of division in my heart, and use me to promote unity in Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.