Today's Verse: Luke 5:31-32

Saturday, May 31, 2008

[When accused of being a friend of sinners,] Jesus answered [his critics], "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
— Luke 5:31-32
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Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Jesus' religious adversaries frequently criticized him for deliberately associating with people who were suspect in their eyes. Jesus, however, had a reason for this behavior. He wasn't associating with sinners to be popular, weird, bizarre, or hip. The Lord associated with all kinds of people because he loved all types of people! He came to redeem the enslaved, find the lost, mend the broken, and reclaim the sinner. So, Jesus associated with all sorts of people! As Jesus' bodily presence today in the church, can we strive for anything less than following Jesus' example of seeking to save all people?

Video Commentary...

We've included Phil's ToGather video from four years ago as an added blessing to our verse today:

ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos

My Prayer...

Forgive me, Father, when I choose security in my acquaintances and avoid potentially messy entanglements in my relationships. Change my heart to be different in those ways and be open toward those around me. Please open my eyes to see the lost, the lonely, the forgotten, and the needy. Use me to lead them to your grace and to help them find their family with your people as they turn their lives around to honor you. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

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8 Related Resources by Heartlight

Is there a doctor in the house?
Illustration of Luke 5:31-32
Inspirational illustration of Luke 5:31-32 -- Jesus answered them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
True Healing
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Friend, To be My disciple means that you are committed to following in My footsteps. You come to Me, recognizing your need for healing grace..."
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"Later, as Jesus left [Capernaum], he saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at his tax collector's booth. "Follow me and be my disciple," Jesus said....."
Overcoming the Greater Pandemic: Finder and Mender
Article by James Nored & Phil Ware
God's people have been in lost places before our time. They made it safely through their wilderness to better times and better places. James Nored in video and Phil Ware with words reminds us that God is the finder and mender of lost and broken things and lost and broken people.
See All 8 Related Resources about Luke 5:31-32

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 5:31-32 — [When accused of being a friend of sinners,] Jesus answered [his critics], "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, May 31, 2008

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About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

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