[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."
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:
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.
"I urge you, my friends: watch out for those who cause divisions and upset people's faith and go against the teaching which you have received. Keep..."
"When the Gentiles heard [that the Good News of Jesus would come to them], they were very glad and thanked the Lord for his message; and all who were...."
"So, my dear friends, don't take my rather bold and blunt language as criticism. It's not criticism. I'm simply underlining how very much I need your help in..."
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.
![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."](https://img.heartlight.org/overlazy/creations/1189.jpg "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.\"")
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