Matthew

September 17

Luke 5:27-32

Who needs a doctor?

After Jesus left the home where He healed the paralyzed man, He went and found a tax collector sitting in his small office. Jesus said to him, “Follow Me.”

So Levi got up, left everything and followed Jesus.

Later, Levi (Matthew) held a big feast at his house for his friends and fellow tax collectors, and invited Jesus as his special guest.

Some teachers of the Law complained to the disciples that Jesus was enjoying the company of tax collectors (who often cheated people by charging more tax than they should).

But Jesus answered them, “People who are well don’t need a doctor, but those who are sick do. I have not come for those who are good enough [or think they are good enough], but for sinners who want to turn from their sins.”

Does Jesus only want good people in His kingdom?

Did you know that everyone is a sinner—even the person who never seems to do a single thing wrong? (Romans 3:10-12). There are people who think they will get to heaven because they are not as bad as others. They don’t realize that even the ‘smallest’ sin stains their heart as much as if they had broken every one of God’s rules (James 2:10). No matter what they do or how hard they try, they cannot heal themselves or get rid of that stain.

Jesus is the only One who can cure the deadly disease of sin; He is the doctor of our souls. Jesus came to earth to invite all people to come to Him. He chooses sinners like us to become part of His kingdom. Jesus forgives all those who come to Him for healing. Then He makes us good (righteous) by placing His goodness into our hearts.

Verse for today

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost. Luke 19:10