Jesus Love for the Despised

“Later, Jesus and his disciples were guests at Levi’s house. Levi had also invited many tax collectors and other people of ill repute to eat with them. But when some Pharisees saw Jesus eating with this company, they asked his disciples, “How can Jesus associate with such sinners and cheats? Jesus heard this and replied, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have come to call sinners to fellowship with God, not those who already consider themselves good enough. (Mark 2:15-17)

This well-known saying of Jesus makes it clear that he did not come to be celebrated by “righteous” people, but to offer forgiveness and fellowship with God to sinners, outcasts, and those in need (the “sick”).

Jesus said this in response to the Pharisees’ criticism of why he ate with sinners. Those who consider themselves sinless (“healthy”) close themselves off to Jesus’ help. Those who recognize their guilt (“sick”) open themselves to the healing that Jesus offers. It is a call to repentance, not to self-righteousness. He emphasizes mercy over rigid religious rules. His statement makes it clear that no one has sunk too low to be accepted by Jesus.

Sinners and sick people were drawn to Jesus! Jesus does not ask me about my past or the qualifications on my resume. What was is unimportant when I begin to feel that Jesus means me. I am the sinner with whom he associates. He wants to save me.

Not because I have anything to show for myself, but because he wants me, I belong to his new kingdom. What was can remain in the past when I accept Jesus’ offer. He has dealt with my guilt. People judge me by my past. Jesus sees my future, and I want to stay with Jesus. Amen