Who Did Jesus Come For?

 

Scripture: Luke 5:29-32 (ESV)

²⁹ And Levi made him a great feast in his house, and there was a large company of tax collectors and others reclining at table with them. ³⁰ And the Pharisees and their scribes grumbled at his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” ³¹ And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. ³² I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”

Devotion:

In this passage from Luke 5:29-32, we find Jesus at a feast hosted by Levi, surrounded by tax collectors and others often marginalized by society. The Pharisees and scribes, in their self-righteousness, question why Jesus chooses to dine with those they consider sinners. Jesus' response is profound and straightforward: "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance."

This statement encapsulates the essence of Jesus' ministry. He did not come to affirm the self-assured or those who believed themselves morally superior. Instead, He came to seek and save the lost, offering grace and redemption to those who recognize their need. In this light, the church is not a sanctuary for the sanctified but a haven for the humbled.

Robert Munger's poignant observation, “The church is the only fellowship in the world where the one requirement for membership is the unworthiness of the candidate,” sheds further light on this truth. The foundation of our faith is built upon acknowledging our imperfections and a deep-seated need for God's grace. In recognizing our unworthiness, we find the strength to seek repentance and embrace the transformative power of Christ's love.

As members of this unique fellowship, we must reflect Jesus' compassion and acceptance. We must remember that we, too, were once in need of healing and forgiveness. Therefore, our mission is to extend the same grace and mercy we have received to others, regardless of their past or social standing.

Let us strive to be a community that welcomes all with open arms, understanding that our shared unworthiness is what binds us together and makes us recipients of God's boundless grace. In doing so, we honor the true spirit of Christ's ministry and become living testimonies of His love and redemption.

Prayer:

            Lord God Almighty, let us strive toward openness to all types of people in the church. Teach us how to reach beyond our narrow views of what the church should be and who it should include. Let us follow Jesus’ example and welcome those not welcome in society. Lord, let us constantly reach out and love the ones society thinks are unworthy of love and care. Help us see through political rhetoric and social stigma that we may be a place of radical inclusion.