There is a big difference between being sick and being healthy. When we are sick, we know that there is a problem because our bodies respond negatively, painfully and sometimes violently to our illness. Often times we require some form of medication. And if our sickness is severe enough, we may even make an appointment with a doctor. When Jesus explained to the Pharisees why he decided to eat with tax collectors and sinners, he chose to compare himself to a doctor in Luke, chapter 5, verses 31 and 32, which says:
“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.’”
Jesus came to earth for sinners. He preached the message of salvation for sinners. And he died a horrific death on a cross for sinners. His mission was to seek and save the lost. He came for those in need of a savior. Do you need a savior? If you are a human being, I would suggest to you that you do, because the Bible reminds us that none of us are righteous, not even one. So, when Jesus said that, “it is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance,” what he was really saying is that he came for everyone. Jesus came for anyone who is willing to admit that they are a sinner in need of a savior. He proved this by eating with those who were still in their sin, and calling them to repentance. If you are reading this today, I hope you understand that Jesus came for you. You, and everyone who has ever lived and ever will live, are spiritually sick and in need of the only doctor who can save your soul.
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I encourage you not to let pride or self-righteousness come between you and salvation. We are all sick and in need of a doctor. We are all sinners in need of a savior. The difference between those who allow Jesus to work on their heart and those who refuse, is whether we understand this truth and choose to accept his help. If you’ve never humbled yourself before Christ by admitting you are a sinner in need of a savior, then I hope you are willing to do it today. Before we can accept his help, we must first admit that we need it. Do not compare your righteousness to those in the world. Compare it to Jesus. If you still think you are righteous compared to him, then maybe you don’t need a savior. But the Bible teaches us that we all do, even those of us who have already accepted his sacrifice for us. We are still not good enough. Every day we are still in need of a savior. If you haven’t already, I hope you come to that realization as well.