Jesus the Doctor for Sick Sinners

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Jesus the Doctor for Sick Sinners

Date: Nov. 22, 2016

Passage

Luke 5:27-32 (ESV)

27 After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth. And he said to him, “Follow me.” 28 And leaving everything, he rose and followed him.

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.”

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV) is adapted from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. All rights reserved.

For information on how the ESV can be quoted, please visit our permission site.

Daily Bread

Key Verse: 5:31-32

And Jesus answered them, “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.”

First, follow me (27-28). It is unusual for Jesus to call a tax collector, but he did. Jesus knew that Levi could not come to him so he came by Levi's tax office. He must have known how miserable he was despite the good pay he made. As a tax collector, Levi sold his countrymen and his conscience to make a living. Jesus gave him just two words that would forever change his life: "Follow me." Jesus gives sinners new life direction. "Follow me" means "Come and be my disciple." Levi got up, left everything and followed him (28).

Second, I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance (29-32). Levi was so happy that he held a banquet for Jesus to celebrate his new life. The Pharisees gave Jesus a hard time for eating and drinking with sinners. But he made it clear why he did so. A doctor has to see sick patients to heal them. Likewise, Jesus had to visit sinners in order to love them and heal them. Jesus did not come to call self-righteous people but needy people who know they are sinners in need of a Savior.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for loving me and calling me to be a disciple. Help me to follow you and learn your shepherd life for sinners.

One Word: Jesus came to call sinners

God’s Wrath and Justice

Revelation 6:1-17

Key Verse: 6:17

for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?”

Today's Question

What does God require from us to escape His anger and curse, which we deserve for our sin?

See answer and references