“But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
Matthew 9:12–13
The lifestyle of Jesus on earth was so remarkable that the religious leaders constantly confronted and challenged Him. His style and method of soul winning were expressed so simply through His actions that the Pharisees and Sadducees could not comprehend it.
Before then, what was practiced was religion sponsored by law, creating an exemption as to who was considered deserving of the living God of Israel. When Jesus came, He lived contrary to almost everything they knew, and it was regarded as blasphemy—the very accusation that led to His death.
What were these acts? He proved that God’s love extends to the ordinary man by eating with the despised and placing compassion for the sick and sinners above social and religious identity. Mercy was lifted above sacrifice.
The life of Jesus reminds us that there is no special class preferred for salvation. The invitation is open to the lowly in heart, the poor, the sick, the dejected, the rich, and the influential. Grace makes no distinction.
Jesus came for all. He came for you and I.
Charge: Never see yourself as excluded from God’s love; you are intentionally included in His redemptive plan.
Further Study: Luke 5:30–32; John 3:16–17; Romans 5:8; 1 Timothy 1:15; Isaiah 53:6.
