Mark 2 - Jesus Loves Sinners Like You and Me!
Key Verses for Today
15 While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. 16 When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 17 On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Commentary
Jesus begins chapter 2 by performing another miracle. This time a man who was paralyzed was brought in by four men on a mat to see Jesus. Since a crowd was now following him wherever he went, they had to cut a hole in a roof to get an audience with him. When Jesus saw their faith he healed the man.
Next, Jesus does something that would have probably shocked many of those who were following him. The next disciple he called was a man named Levi, who was also a tax collector. Tax collectors were hated by the Jewish people, because they collected more than they should for the oppressive Roman government. In Matthew 9:9, he is called "Matthew" and he is usually referred to by that name. Matthew was probably the name given to him after he was converted as it means, "Gift of God".
The Jewish people rightly considered them traitors because they worked for the Roman government and had the force of Roman soldiers behind them to make people pay taxes. They were the most visible Jewish collaborators with Rome. - Guzik
As we said yesterday, Mark's gospel moves at a fast pace. A few verses early it said, "Jesus called Levi and told him to follow him, and Levi got up and followed him immediately". There was no hesitation. Then, the next thing we see is that Levi had invited Jesus over to house for dinner. He also invited many "tax collectors and sinners" who came to dinner to see and meet Jesus. I guess sinners and tax collectors hung out together. These two groups had one thing in common, they were disliked by the people around them, especially the religious folk.
Here lies the scandal – Jesus was the friend of sinners. Of course, the sinners knew this and responded to Jesus’ love and friendship: for there were many, and they followed Him. - Guzik
The sinners probably were those who were non-observant Jews, who did not follow the strict laws and teaching of the Pharisees. They could also be those who led immoral lifestyles like the prostitutes and drunkards.
Application
1. How do you usually look at "sinners"? Would the sinners and tax collectors be welcome in your home? When is the last time you sat down and ate with a "sinner"?
2. How does the church treat sinners? Do we welcome them regardless of their lifestyle? For example, most conservative and evangelical churches take a strong stance against people who belong to the LGBTQ community? While not endorsing this lifestyle, would our churches welcome them as Jesus did the tax collectors and sinners in this story?
At the end of the day Jesus loves sinners. Jesus loves people like us!
The apostle Paul recognized this when he said in 1 Timothy 1:15,
"Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I (Paul) am the worst."
Prayer of the Day
Jesus, we thank you that you proved your love to us that while we were yet sinners, you died for us. Help us to always remember like Paul that we are just as bad of a sinner than anybody else. In view of your great mercy help us to share the Good News with other sinners like us!" Amen.
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