House Calls

Jesus went out along the sea. All the crowd came to him and he taught them. As he passed by, he saw Levi, son of Alphaeus, sitting at the customs post. Jesus said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed Jesus. 

While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners sat with Jesus and his disciples; for there were many who followed him. Some scribes who were Pharisees saw that Jesus was eating with sinners and tax collectors and said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus heard this and said to them, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” (Mark 2:13-17)

Who else would Jesus share a meal?  The rich and famous?  He was always there for sinners – the “sick.”  Tax collectors were especially corrupt, so they definitely deserved a place at the table.  If they chose to dine with Jesus, they likely showed some remorse for their sins especially if they were seated next to the poor who they sinned against.  Conversation had to be strained, unless Jesus put them all at ease.

Do we “eat” with “sinners?”  If “yes,” then this means we forgive those who trespass against us.  The temptation is for us not to forgive.  It’s a temptation we must resist; otherwise, our seat at Jesus’ table is left empty or is there for someone else to take.

We are all among the “sick” and in need of a physician.  Fortunately, we don’t need to be rushed to the emergency room.  Jesus makes house calls.

Deacon David Pierce