Luke records many instances where people are blessed to eat with Jesus. One of the most well-known examples is found in Luke 5:27-32.
After calling Levi to be His disciple, the tax collector invites Jesus to a reception held in his home. Many tax collectors and sinners attended this gathering. The scribes and Pharisees grumbled and asked, “Why do you eat and drink with the tax collectors and sinners?” In the minds of these elite religious leaders, a teacher like Jesus should not be showing any acceptance towards people like that.
Jesus explained that He was a spiritual Physician committed to healing those infected with the disease of sin and calling them to repentance (Luke 5:31-32). What do we need to know about the great Physician?
He values everyone.
- Most Jews did not respect tax collectors like Matthew in Jesus’ day. They were viewed as traitors because they worked for the corrupted Roman government. They also had a reputation of being dishonest thieves.
- There are numerous times in the gospel where we find Jesus spending time with the outcast of His society (Luke 6:12-16; 7:36-39; 19:1-10; John 4:7-38; Matthew 26:6). The Lord socialized with these people not to show approval for their sins but to build influence and call them to serve Him.
- Jesus challenges us to love and see the value in all people. We can’t merely give attention and spend time with the people like us. While avoiding being of the world, we need to pray and look for avenues to associate with non-Christians so we can influence them to turn from their sins.
He despises self-righteousness.
- The scribes and Pharisees viewed people like Matthew and his friends as outcasts that needed to be avoided (Luke 5:30). The word “Pharisee” means “separate.” These men wanted to be isolated from their society’s dirty and messy people. They believed their lifestyle would lead to favor with God.
- The Pharisees invented all kinds of rules and traditions. They condemned people who did not adhere to their handwashing and Sabbath-keeping traditions.
- Jesus constantly exposed the error of their self-righteous attitudes (Matthew 23:13; John 9:35-41). These men were spiritually blind and needed to humble themselves before Jesus.
- No matter how religious we are and how much work we do for God, we still need His grace, mercy, and forgiveness (Luke 17:10; Ephesians 2:8-9). We can never earn or merit our salvation!
He blesses those who seek Him.
- In addition to the Lord being drawn to help sinners, they were also drawn to Him (Luke 5:29; 7:37-39; 15:1-2; 19:3). While the scribes and Pharisees rejected Jesus, the “sinners” went after Him.
- The prostitutes, demon-possessed, blind, and poor, recognized that Jesus had the remedy for the sin disease and constantly sought Him.
- Let us have the same passion for seeking Jesus. Let us seek Him through daily Bible reading, prayer, passionate worship, and repentance.
Conclusion:
Do you need to be spiritually healed by the great Physician?