PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 9:9-13
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.” (Matthew 9:12)
Jesus calls Matthew, a man driven by greed who betrays his people for personal gain.
No interview, no exposing of sin or guilt, no ‘if only’s or ‘go and sin no more’s.
Jesus already knows his condition: he is sick, and he needs a doctor.
Jesus compares sin to a sickness; we usually think of sin as a crime.
A sick person needs help, a criminal needs to pay for his crimes.
There is no doubt that sin can be both a condition, and be criminal.
But guilt is the result, not the problem (though it becomes a problem too).
Sinners are spiritually sick, sinners have a disease that needs to be healed.
God does not desire sacrifice for guilt, God desires mercy for the sick.
God graciously calls sinners, just as they are, to restore them as they ought to be.
Everyone is sick, not just some; some people admit it, not everyone.
Matthew sensed his need for Dr Jesus, the religious leaders did not.
What if we saw sin more as a condition than a crime, and our common need for mercy?
Do I sense my need for Dr Jesus or is my religion blinding me to my need?
PRAYER
Lord, I do need you, and I do need mercy. So does the person next to me, and the person across the world. Help me to not stand in the way of your healthcare getting to others.
“many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples”. In Asia – people watch who you are willing to eat with – whether it be by way of social standing or religious persuasion. Are you willing to eat with Muslims, with the untouchables, with women? Jesus cuts through all that ugly ‘distinction’ stuff – and eats with whomever welcomes him. We too need to share with anyone – all are welcome at the table – in the parable, the Master told the servants to ‘force’ them to come in – not to hold back. We too need to be gracious and welcoming. Like Jesus, especially to welcome those who are suffering the consequences of their addition, of their past mistakes etc. We should not ignore them – but be gracious as Jesus was and is! Help me Lord to be gracious and welcoming too!
Jesus calls to follow Him.
We all need Jesus. All of us need Jesus. The whole world needs Jesus. He came to serve and give life eternal to all who receive Him. Follow Him. Don’t be a bystander, judging those who go to Him. He is the answer to all of our needs. Live for Him.
Jesus calls us o’er the tumult
of our life’s wild, restless sea;
day by day his voice invites me,
saying “Christian, follow me!”