What Jesus Did! 'Among Sinners' — Mark 2:15-17

Friday, February 5, 2016

Later that day, Jesus ate at Levi's house. There were many tax collectors and other bad people eating there with Jesus and his followers. There were many of these people that followed Jesus. The teachers of the law (they were Pharisees) saw Jesus eating with these tax collectors and other bad people. They asked Jesus' followers, "Why does he (Jesus) eat with tax collectors and sinners?" Jesus heard this, and he said to them, "Healthy people don't need a doctor. It is the sick people that need a doctor. I did not come to invite good people. I came to invite sinners."
— Mark 2:15-17 NLT
Illustration of Mark 2:15-17 NLT — "Why does he (Jesus) eat with tax collectors and sinners?"

Key Thought

Jesus came to save sinners. Yes, all of us are sinners. Unfortunately, many try to pretend they are not sinners or defend the sins they have committed as "normal failures" or "mistakes." This is true even of people who consider themselves religious. Jesus reminds us that he came to rescue sinners. He came for us. He came to call us to join him in the work. Will we respond?

Today's Prayer

Righteous Father, thank you for sending Jesus to save me from my sins. Without your grace, I know that I would be lost. Please use me to help others find their way to your grace. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 1 Timothy 1:12-17
  • 1 John 1:8-10
  • Luke 19:9-10

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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