By Andrew Williams – April 11, 2022
While He was reclining at the table in Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were also guests with Jesus and His disciples, because there were many who were following Him. When the scribes of the Pharisees saw that He was eating with sinners and tax collectors, they asked His disciples, “Why does He eat with tax collectors and sinners? ” When Jesus heard this, He told them, “Those who are well don’t need a doctor, but the sick do need one. I didn’t come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Mark 2:15-17 HCSB
Good morning fellow disciples.
Once more we see that Jesus knew His purpose here on earth. He said that He “did not come to call the righteous, but sinners”. In order to do this He had to be among the sinners. How could He reach them if He avoided them or looked down on them?
In our society today we see churchgoers acting like these scribes and Pharisees. They look down on persons who are sinners. They don’t mix with them or speak with them in certain situations. They speak and act in a condemnatory manner when these sinners come to church.
Is it surprising then that persons don’t want to become a part of their Church?
“While He was reclining at the table in Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were also guests with Jesus and His disciples, because there were many who were following Him. ”
Jesus had many followers! They followed Him for different reasons. This didn’t bother Jesus. He remained true to plan and purpose for His life. He preached the gospel of the Kingdom and He delivered those who were held captive by the devil.
When the persons who were following Him experienced His lifestyle, they then made the choice as to whether they would continue to follow Him and become His disciples or not.
If we want to be like Jesus, then we need to meet people where they are, and faithfully proclaim the gospel of Kingdom of God to them. When we do this without prejudice or judgment, they will feel the love of God, they will hear God’s truth, and they will experience what it’s like to be a part of God’s Kingdom. It is then that they will be able to make the choices that God desires of them.
Prayer: Father God, I must admit that I’m guilty of not “eating with sinners”. Honestly, I fear that I will become like them, I fear that I am not obedient enough to You to be a good witness to them, and I fear that I am not a good ambassador of Your kingdom.
I want to be like the Lord Jesus who regularly ate with sinners. Lord God, I ask You to cleanse me from all my unrighteousness. Remove fear from me. Make me righteous through the blood of Lord Jesus Christ. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and power, so that I can faithfully proclaim Your Gospel, and show sinners how to live the way that You require. Amen
