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“Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do.
Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not
sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous but
sinners.” Matthew 9:12–13
Would you describe yourself as one who is “well” or one who is
“sick?” Are you among the “righteous” or the “sinners?” Be careful
how you answer this question. Of course, the pride that comes with
our fallen human nature often tempts us to claim that we are “well”
and “righteous.” But humility will reveal the truth that we are
among the “sick” and “sinners.”
This statement of Jesus is a response to the Pharisees who noticed
that Jesus was dining at the house of Matthew, the tax collector,
whom He had just called to follow Him. Matthew did indeed leave
everything behind and followed Jesus, and then he hosted dinner for
Jesus at his house. At that dinner, there were “many tax collectors
and sinners” who came and sat with Jesus and His disciples, which
led the Pharisees to ridicule them all.
Jesus’ response is very important for us to hear. By stating that
He came not for those who were well and righteous but for those who
were sick and sinners, it tells us two important things. First, it
tells us that we are all spiritually sick and sinful. Second, it
tells us that if we cannot humbly admit to that, and in our pride
claim that we are well and are righteous, then we essentially
reject Jesus, the Divine Physician, from our lives. We essentially
say, “Lord, I do not need You.”
It’s also helpful to notice that Jesus was not embarrassed to be
seen with sinners. He did not hesitate at all and, in fact, clearly
stated that they were those whom He came for. For that reason, we
should not be afraid or embarrassed to admit we are sinners who are
spiritually ill and in need of our Lord. To deny that fact is to
deny reality and to deny the very source of the ongoing healing we
most certainly need in life. It’s a denial of our need for Christ
Jesus Himself.
Do you need our Lord? Do you need interior cleansing, healing, and
forgiveness every day? If it’s difficult for you to wholeheartedly
say “Yes” to that question, then perhaps you struggle with the
pride of the Pharisees more than you know. No matter how holy you
become, no matter how deeply you pray and no matter how charitable
you are, you will always need the healing and forgiveness of the
Divine Physician each and every day.
Reflect, today, upon the need you have in your life today for
forgiveness. What sin do you struggle with the most? Interestingly,
the holier one becomes, the more clearly they see their daily sins
and their need for forgiveness and healing. If you struggle with
this at all, spend time examining your conscience. Look for ways to
do it more thoroughly and honestly. If you do, you can be certain
that our Lord, the Divine Physician, will deeply desire to dine
with you today and always.
My forgiving Lord, You are the Divine Physician Who has come to
forgive and heal all of our ills. Remove my pride and
self-righteousness so that I can be filled with humility and see
clearly the sin in my life. As I see my sin, help me to turn to You
and to trust in Your abundant mercy. You came for sinners, dear
Lord, and I am one of those sinners in need. Jesus, I trust in
You.
Image: James Tissot, Public domain, via Wikimedia
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