PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Mark 2:13-17
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples.” (Mark 2:15)
The church is not a gathering of saints, but of sinners that God accepts as saints.
What we really have in common in the church is our desperate condition and need for Jesus.
It strikes me often how sinners were drawn to Jesus, but often are not drawn to church.
When one immoral woman was encouraged to seek out a church, she observed:
‘Why would I go there, they’ll only make me feel worse than I already do.’
This is so sad, and even worse, it is a betrayal of our identity and calling as church.
We are not those who have overcome sin, but who have been welcomed despite sin.
God has absorbed the guilt and shame of our sin, to welcome us back in love.
If the church excludes sinners, then I must be excluded too.
The problem with the religious leaders was not that they were not sick.
Their problem was that they didn’t see themselves as sick… not like others.
As Jesus followers, we of all people should know how much sinners need Jesus.
May we not put up walls that keep sinners out; they need a doctor too, like us.
Praise God Jesus welcomes sinners to his table; it means I am welcome too.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to realize that my sin is even more serious than I realize… which only makes your grace all the more amazing!
In many cultures people watch who you will eat with – whether its status/class, religion, educational level, race. The Pharisees were watching Jesus too. Jesus was willing to eat with many whom the Pharisees had already discounted and they commented: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” Lord help me to be of the same mind -I know when I sit down with street people at Urban Hope – I’ve been blessed. They open up and I can listen to their story. I hope that my listening to Richard yesterday will help him and encourage him – he’s lost so much and yet has so much ability and skills. Accepting him and respecting him – like Jesus did by eating with them – speaks loudly! Praying for him does even more!
We all need Jesus.
The religious leaders looked down on people because they were self righteous. They didn’t associate with those who needed help. But we all do, for there is not one righteous before God. I need Him in my life to lead and guide me always. I need Him every hour for without Jesus I too am lost. Help me Lord to be accepting of all You put in my path. Help me to be a servant true – Your hands and feet. May others see Christ Jesus living in me
1 Come to the Savior now,
he gently calls to you;
in true repentance bow,
let him your heart renew.
Christ came that you may know
salvation, peace, and love,
true joy on earth below,
a home in heaven above.
2 Come to the Savior now,
all who have wandered far;
renew your solemn vow,
for his by right you are;
come like poor, wandering sheep
returning to his fold;
his arm will safely keep,
his love will ne’er grow cold.
3 Come to the Savior, now,
he offers all to you,
and on his merits you
can plead for life anew.
No vain excuses frame,
respond to Christ today!
None who to Jesus came
were ever sent away.
4 Come to the Savior, all,
whate’er your burdens be;
hear now His loving call,
“Cast all your care on me.”
Come, and for every grief,
in Jesus you will find
a sure and safe relief,
a loving friend and kind.