The Gospel story shares a special day where Jesus had many interruptions. First, He sees Matthew sitting at a tax booth and He calls him to "Follow Me." Then Matthew invites Jesus, His disciples, and many other tax collectors for a meal at his home. The Pharisees are critical of Jesus eating with the tax collectors. But Jesus says He came for the sinners and not the righteous. Then a leader of the synagogue comes in and says that his daughter has just died but that Jesus can raise her up. As they travel to his house, a woman touches Jesus to be healed. Then Jesus arrives at the house, excuses the mourners, and proceeds to raise the girl from the dead.

Each person had a unique experience with Jesus even though He was busy. Matthew, as a tax collector, would have been considered a traitor to his people. Instead, Jesus sees him and calls him. There is a powerful experience in healing to be seen and called.

When Jesus defends His time with the tax collectors, He quotes Scripture. Likewise we should practice mercy instead of sacrificing others and ourselves.

The leader of the Synagogue had a crisis that interrupted the meal. What are the hands on needs in our community that may call us away from our norm?

The woman who touched Jesus thought she could touch Him without anyone noticing. But Jesus turned and saw her. Who is asking you to turn and see them today?

The girl who had died was taken by Jesus' hand and raised up. Who is needed to be taken by the hand helped up out of despair, darkness, or death?