This week, we studied Mark 2:13-17. Jesus called the tax collector, Levi, to follow Him as a disciple. At Levi’s house, Jesus had dinner with his disciples, sinners and tax collectors. This caused quite a stir among the religious leaders of the day who the disciples why Jesus would eat with “sinners.” When Jesus heard this, he made a profound statement about his ministry: “He came to call sinners, not the righteous.” The sick need a doctor, not the healthy.
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Tax collectors were seen as traitors to the people of Israel, collecting money from Jews and giving it to Rome, while making themselves rich. Yet, Jesus chose to call Levi anyway. What criteria does Jesus use for calling people? Who can become a disciple of the Lord?
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“Brothers and sisters, consider your calling: Not many were wise from a human perspective, not many powerful, not many of noble birth. Instead, God has chosen what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen what is weak in the world to shame the strong.” – 1 Corinthians 1:26-27
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Jesus chose to engage in hospitality with tax collectors and sinners alongside his disciples. “Sinners” has a definite societal connotation today. We think of a type of people or a behavior that classes someone as a sinner, dirty or unclean. We may not want to be seen with “those kinds of people” but Jesus chose to dine with them. Who do I think of as “the sinners and tax collectors?” Can I engage with them in a gospel honoring way?
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“Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God.” – 1 Peter 4:10
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When Jesus’ association with sinners came under scrutiny by the religious leaders, he let them know that he came to minister to the sick and the sinner, not the righteous. Although this may seem obvious to us now, having heard this passage before, it must have been a massive shift in the view of God and his relationship to sinners at the time. What does this mean for us? If God came to minister to those still in sin, how should that impact my life and actions?
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“This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them. But I received mercy for this reason, so that in me, the worst of them, Christ Jesus might demonstrate his extraordinary patience as an example to those who would believe in him for eternal life.” – 1 Timothy 1:15-16
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Life Application:
Jesus spent real time with those on the outskirts of society, tax collectors, prostitutes, lepers and other “sinners.” Identify those people in our community today who are outsiders and ask the Lord to show you how you can minister to them. Develop a plan to be of service and community to those who are not part of the religious community.
For Prayer:
Pray for the many in California who are facing the devastating loss of homes.