When Jesus heard that, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”
Matthew 9:12-13
The Pharisees complained that Jesus was hanging out with sinners. He was at Matthew’s home having a meal, when many sinners came to visit with Him. To the Pharisees, His reception of these dregs of society was scandalous. Jesus is very clear with them that He can only help those who recognize their brokenness. Those who need Him will find Him visiting them. Those who come to Him will find Him receptive. He is available for the repentant sinner.
He told them to learn what Hosea 6:6 means. The prophet told Israel that their sins were so clear that the judgment on them was like a spotlight on their evil. He told them that all of their religious performance wasn’t working because they were merciless to each other and didn’t know who God was.
God desires us to be merciful to each other is in a way that surpasses religious requirements. Like Him we need to be open to those who are broken and looking for THE DOCTOR. That means we will hang out with them. Let me give a little caveat. This does not mean we are deeply connected to people who embrace sin. It does mean that we will connect with any who are ready to repent and start over.
Too many Christians have been shipwrecked by taking pirates aboard their ministries. Christ expects us to pick up refugees regardless of their former behaviors. He warns us against tight relationship with those who are pursuing the world, the flesh or those who are still cooperating with the enemy. Mercy on those who are admitting their sinful life is wrong – avoidance of those who will not repent. And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh. (Jude 22-23) Jesus did not come merely to befriend us. He came to heal us.
Have Mercy!
Pastor Jason
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