“As Jesus was having a meal in Levi’s home, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. When the experts in the law and the Pharisees saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, they said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” When Jesus heard this he said to them, “Those who are healthy don’t need a physician, but those who are sick do. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.””
— Mark 2:15-17
Ending of the 2nd of 5 controversy stories right at the beginning of Mark’s gospel. Mark portrays Jesus as stirring up conflict very early in ministry. And they progress in intensity.
From Pharisee’s perspective, there was so much wrong with this picture: being around sinners, eating with them, tax collector, this was a rabbi.
What were Pharisees doing to help this group of people? How were the traditions and laws drawing sinners/toll collectors to YHWH? Obviously not too effective, though their motivations may have been pure in some ways.
Jesus may be mocking them/maybe not (think they’re righteous/think they’re healthy). Everyone needs a doctor. Everyone needs a savior. But on the surface, He says, if you’re already in the family, then great. I’m here to invite others. This message is said the same way so many times throughout the gospels. We still fail to hear it.
No comments:
Post a Comment