Needing a ‘Physician’?
Scripture reading for February 11: Mark 2
“And as He passed by, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and He said to him, “Follow Me.” And he rose and followed Him. And as He reclined at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and His disciples, for there were many who followed Him. And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that He was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to His disciples, “Why does He eat with tax collectors and sinners?” And when Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”” Mark 2:14-17
We all tend to think more highly of ourselves than we ought and also tend to judge others by the accepted norms of the culture we live in. In Jesus’ day, the Jews who helped Rome collect taxes were considered by others in their culture to be the lowest of sinners. It shocked the local religious leaders when, to their surprise, Jesus called Levi to follow Him as a disciple. Not only that, Levi hosted a dinner and introduced his fellow tax collectors to Jesus and they all reclined together at table for food and fellowship. Instead of asking Jesus, these leaders asked His disciples why Jesus would do such a defiling thing.
Jesus, hearing their question, answered them Himself: “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” This statement was meant to probe their world view of themselves as well as those that they called ‘sinners’. All men are sinners, as all have sinned and come short of God’s glory. (Romans 3:23) All, consequently, need a ‘Physician’ to bring healing and forgiveness. Only those who will come to Jesus and humbly follow His prescription will be healed.
Do you find yourself looking down on certain people in your circle of relationships? What kind of self-talk comes from your heart about your own goodness compared to others perceived evil? Have you come to Jesus and reclined at table with Him to receive healing?
Prayer: Father God, thank You that You came to call sinners, of which I am one. Thank You for being my great Physician, offering me a place at Your table and feeding me true food and drink–Your body and blood which alone brings healing. Grant me boldness to share Your desire to forgive sinners. Amen.
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