Thursday, April 11, 2024

Luke 5:31-32
³¹ Jesus answered them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. ³² I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.”

These verses might seem rather obvious and easy to zip past. Of course healthy people don’t need a doctor but sick people do. Even verse 32 may only garner a quick nod before moving on.

But these words from Jesus were captured for a reason. What does God want us to learn?

Just before, in Luke 5:27-30, we find Jesus at a gathering with people considered the lowest of the low—tax collectors. Today’s equivalent might be sex workers or child traffickers. For many of us, this would seem appalling—just as it did to the Pharisees and religious teachers.

So, indeed Jesus’ words are pointed at them, but what does this have to do with you or me?

Perhaps it's not about their title but rather the Pharisees’ attitude toward those “lesser people” in attendance.

Have you ever had a Pharisee moment?

Many years ago, at a small, conservative church, I found myself behind a woman wearing an eye-watering yellow dress that revealed far too much to be considered appropriate for church. To top it off, the large black polka dots were not dots at all but skulls. My first thoughts were admittedly not Jesus-like in the least.

Thankfully, the Holy Spirit didn’t let me stew there for long before making me very aware of my judgmental, dare I say, Parasitical thoughts. I was gently, but quite firmly, reminded I knew nothing about this woman—not her background, her love for Jesus, nor what Jesus was trying to do in her life.

Maybe this was her best clothing option. Maybe she needed Jesus so desperately, the fact that she walked through that door at all was a miracle of grand proportion. Or maybe, that woman’s dress was simply a neon sign to check my pride and soften my heart—to remind me I need Jesus just as much as she does. That his resurrection was just as much for her as for me.

Romans 3:23
For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.

We are all sick and need the salvation that Jesus came to offer, except the Pharisees didn’t recognize it.

Do you?

Questions:
How do you generally consider yourself: a better person than most or a sinner desperately in need of a savior?

Next Steps:
Ask God to reveal areas and attitudes in you that he wants to conform to his heart. Journal what you learn, and make notes of how he grows you.

Prayer:
Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins (Psalm 51:1). Thank you for the gift of your Son and the amazing grace he offers. Help me see others as you do. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Romans 6:14
Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.

This post was written by Kelly Pagel, Director of the LivingItOut.