The Christ Who Calls Sinners | Matthew 9:9-13

In this sermon titled “The Christ Who Calls Sinners,” Rev. James Khongsai expounds Matthew chapter 9 verses 9 to 13, setting before us the gracious call of the Lord Jesus Christ to a despised tax collector, Matthew, and the transforming power of that call in the life of a sinner.

As Jesus passes by and calls Matthew, we witness the sovereign initiative of Christ in salvation. He does not wait for the righteous, but calls sinners to Himself. The Pharisees question His association with tax collectors and sinners, yet Jesus declares the very purpose of His coming: not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. This passage draws us to the heart of the Gospel: that Christ shows mercy, not sacrifice; that He seeks the spiritually sick, not the self-righteous; and that true righteousness is found only in union with Him.

This sermon is part of the ongoing exposition of the Gospel of Matthew at Immanuel International Church, where the Scriptures are faithfully taught in the Reformed tradition, proclaiming salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:00 — Church Logo

00:09 — Scripture Reading

01:22 — Who is the One Who Saves?

02:12 — What is Regeneration?

02:43 — God’s Sovereign Call

05:30 — Unconditional Election

09:51 — Jesus Eats with Sinners

15:11 — Opposition from the Pharisees

18:56 — Diagnosing the Real Issue

21:12 — Mercy, Not Sacrifice

23:43 — Call to Live in Mercy

25:26 — Closing Prayer