#TuesdayTruth Luke 5:30-31

“But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, ‘Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and “sinners”?’

Jesus answered them, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.’”

It makes sense, doesn’t it? A well, healthy, person does not need to be seen by a doctor. It is the person who knows that he or she is unwell who needs to see a doctor. When questioned in this passage, Jesus responds that He did not come to save those who saw themselves as “righteous” (the “healthy”), but, instead, those who knew they were “sinners” (the “sick”). The ones who recognize their need are the ones He called.

That should speak to every single one of us. Every one of us has fallen short (Romans 3:23-24). Every one of us has sinned, but this did not scare Jesus off. The one known as “The Great Physician” came to help “the sick.” He came specifically for those who know that they are unwell and have no hope on their own; the ones who know they need more.

When Jesus did call the “sinners” to repentance, He did not do that from a distance, keeping His space, keeping them at arm’s length. Instead, He spent time with them, eating and drinking with them, in their home. He spent time getting to know them because relationship was more important than appearances. It was about the heart of the matter- it is about the people who are now ready to get well.

It is the same today. He came to heal the sick, to call sinners to Himself, to have relationship with us, and to call us by a new name (sinners no more). Once we recognize our need for The Great Physician, true freedom comes.

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for sending your Son to save “sinners” like me. Thank you that when Jesus walked this earth, He spent time with people who were not seen as “righteous”. This gives us such hope. Thank you, even more, that you no longer see me as a “sinner”, but, instead, as your beloved child.

We love you Father, Amen.