Matthew 9:11
"And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto His disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?"
WHY?
The Pharisees were known for their strict adherence to both the written and oral law, emphasizing the importance of ritual purity and legal traditions. Like everyone else, they were watching Jesus's ministry. Listening to His messages. Witnessed His miracles. And, like everyone else, they had questions. We can read records of their interactions with Jesus in the Gospels.
Like any person who is a hot topic, there is an allure to them. Everyone wants to see them, hear them, know them. Even people in powerful positions. The Pharisees were influential in Jewish society and had a significant presence in the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. I can see some jealousy in today's verse. "Why?" "Why is the cool guy spending time with the unworthy?" "Why doesn't Jesus eat with us?" To their way of thinking Jesus should come to them and they would decide who get to eat with Jesus. The Pharisees' reaction reflects their strict adherence to religious purity laws and their disdain for those they considered morally inferior. Jesus does not respect their hierarchy. And, Jesus is GOD.
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