Get in the Game: Family Devotional

Family Devotional: Picked Up on Purpose

Matthew 9:9-13

Day 1: When Others See a Failure

Scripture: Matthew 9:9 (CSB)

“As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office, and he said to him, ‘Follow me,’ and he got up and followed him.”

Devotional Thought:

In football, getting waived means you weren’t good enough to make the cut. That’s how people saw Matthew. He had sold out—working for Rome, overcharging his own people, and being seen as unclean. No one wanted him on their team. But Jesus did. Jesus didn’t see Matthew as a failure—He saw a follower. He saw someone worth picking up. Someone with purpose.

Jesus does the same for us. Even when people count us out—because of our past, our reputation, or our mistakes—He calls us to follow Him. He’s not looking for the perfect, just the willing.

Reflection Questions:

Have you ever felt like you didn’t belong or didn’t make the cut?

What would it mean to believe Jesus still wants you on His team?

Action Step:

Write down one thing in your life that makes you feel disqualified—and pray, “Jesus, help me follow You anyway.”

Day 2: Follow the Rabbi

Scripture: Matthew 4:19 (CSB)

“Follow me,” he told them, “and I will make you fish for people.”

Devotional Thought:

In Jesus’ day, to follow a rabbi wasn’t just about learning facts—it was about becoming like him. A disciple (talmid) would watch how the rabbi walked, talked, prayed, ate, taught, and loved people. The goal wasn’t just to know what the rabbi knew, but to become who the rabbi was.

When Jesus says “Follow me,” He’s inviting us to that kind of life. He’s not just offering a better Sunday routine—He’s offering a new identity. The invitation isn’t “learn more”—it’s “live different.”

Reflection Questions:

What does following Jesus look like in your real life—at home, at school, at work?

Are there areas where you’re a fan of Jesus, but not yet a follower?

Action Step:

Pick one thing Jesus would do—and imitate Him today. (Forgive someone? Encourage a friend? Serve without being asked?)

Day 3: The Table is for the Sick

Scripture: Matthew 9:12–13 (CSB)

“Now when he heard this, he said, ‘It is not those who are well who need a doctor, but those who are sick... For I didn’t come to call the righteous, but sinners.’”

Devotional Thought:

When the Pharisees saw Jesus eating with people like Matthew, they were shocked. “Why would He sit with sinners?” But Jesus flipped the script. He wasn’t there to impress the healthy—He came to heal the broken.

Jesus didn’t come for those who pretend to have it all together. He came for the people who know they’re sick and need a Savior. That means His table is open to you, no matter your past, your struggle, or your reputation. You don’t have to clean yourself up to be invited—you just have to come hungry.

Reflection Questions:

Are you trying to impress Jesus—or letting Him heal you?

Who in your life needs to be invited to the table of grace?

Action Step:

Take one step toward someone others may overlook. Invite them to church, a meal, or simply a conversation..