Celebration

After Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, he headed north to the area of Galilee and established his headquarters in Capernaum, a city by the sea. One day, Jesus was walking on the shore and invited a tax collector named Matthew to follow him. Matthew left his tax booth to follow Jesus.

Thursday was the last day Jesus would spend with his disciples before the cross. It was the day of Passover, the time when Israel remembered God’s faithfulness in delivering them from slavery in Egypt.

Why have a wedding with a license, minister, and guests? Why not just say—let’s move in together and start doing life? Isn’t a wedding ceremony a waste…of time…of money?

The religious leaders were offended that Jesus was having a meal with hated tax collectors. But they were not the only ones upset. The disciples of John the Baptist wondered why they had to fast while Jesus feasted. Jesus answered their question by likening himself to a bridegroom at a wedding celebration. 

Have you accepted Jesus’ invitation to follow him? Will you be invited to that great celebration—the marriage supper of the Lamb?

Living for Christ is . . . or should be . . . a daily celebration. Let’s live today in such a way that people take note of our deep joy and deliberate rejoicing.