I came across this passage in my reading this morning.
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 2:16-17
Some thoughts:
- When I think about the two categories into which the scribes herded Jesus’ companions, there isn’t one of us who isn’t included since “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” I’m glad he was willing to call me to himself despite my sinfulness.
- My current standing before God is not a result of my own goodness. I am a sinful man who needed Jesus just as much as the next sinner. It was Jesus who paid for my sins with his death and made me righteous in God’s eyes. I am trusting in what Jesus did for me and not my own goodness.
- My life was transformed by the Spirit of God (2 Cor. 5:17) and is constantly being renewed as I contemplate the Scriptures and allow the Spirit to change me. If it weren’t for that continuing transformation, I would not be any different than someone who doesn’t know Jesus. I need to remember that about those whom he is presently calling.
