I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.
— Mark 2:17
Thought Of The Day...
Most of us would rather be around people like ourselves. We feel most comfortable with those who look like us, think like us, talk like us, act like us, and more. We tend to avoid people who are different from us, especially if they have a questionable moral character.
So why would Jesus talk with Levi the tax collector (also called Matthew)? In that day, tax collectors were despised as traitors and thieves among their own people because they grew rich working for the Romans and their emperor. And as if talking to Levi wasn’t enough, Jesus also ate at Levi’s house with other tax collectors and sinners!
Didn’t Jesus care about tainting himself by mingling with such people? He answered, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
The truth is, “sinners” refers to everyone: Jesus’ self-righteous accusers, the others at Levi’s house, and each one of us as well. Here we see Jesus’ grace vividly extended to everyone around him, grace that transforms lives and changes the world. Only Jesus’ saving grace can do that.
Only by Jesus’ saving grace can we come into right fellowship with God. And once his grace touches our lives, we too should let it flow to those around us, including “tax collectors and sinners.”
Prayer...
Heavenly Father, We come before you with humble hearts, recognizing that we are all sinners in need of your grace and forgiveness. Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, to offer us this precious gift of grace. May we never take it for granted but instead, allow it to transform our hearts and minds.
As we read in Mark 2:17, Jesus, you did not come for the righteous, but for the sinners. You showed us that no one is too far gone to receive your love and mercy. Help us to have a heart like yours, to extend your grace to everyone around us. May we see others through your eyes, not judging or condemning, but showing them your unconditional love and forgiveness.
We also pray for those who have not yet experienced your grace, that their hearts may be softened and their eyes may be opened to your love. Use us as instruments of your grace, to share your love and truth with those who do not know you.
Thank you for your unending grace and for the incredible gift of salvation through your Son, Jesus. May we always remember the depth of your love for us and share it with others. In Jesus precious name, we pray. Amen.
— Mark 2:17
Thought Of The Day...
Most of us would rather be around people like ourselves. We feel most comfortable with those who look like us, think like us, talk like us, act like us, and more. We tend to avoid people who are different from us, especially if they have a questionable moral character.
So why would Jesus talk with Levi the tax collector (also called Matthew)? In that day, tax collectors were despised as traitors and thieves among their own people because they grew rich working for the Romans and their emperor. And as if talking to Levi wasn’t enough, Jesus also ate at Levi’s house with other tax collectors and sinners!
Didn’t Jesus care about tainting himself by mingling with such people? He answered, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
The truth is, “sinners” refers to everyone: Jesus’ self-righteous accusers, the others at Levi’s house, and each one of us as well. Here we see Jesus’ grace vividly extended to everyone around him, grace that transforms lives and changes the world. Only Jesus’ saving grace can do that.
Only by Jesus’ saving grace can we come into right fellowship with God. And once his grace touches our lives, we too should let it flow to those around us, including “tax collectors and sinners.”
Prayer...
Heavenly Father, We come before you with humble hearts, recognizing that we are all sinners in need of your grace and forgiveness. Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, to offer us this precious gift of grace. May we never take it for granted but instead, allow it to transform our hearts and minds.
As we read in Mark 2:17, Jesus, you did not come for the righteous, but for the sinners. You showed us that no one is too far gone to receive your love and mercy. Help us to have a heart like yours, to extend your grace to everyone around us. May we see others through your eyes, not judging or condemning, but showing them your unconditional love and forgiveness.
We also pray for those who have not yet experienced your grace, that their hearts may be softened and their eyes may be opened to your love. Use us as instruments of your grace, to share your love and truth with those who do not know you.
Thank you for your unending grace and for the incredible gift of salvation through your Son, Jesus. May we always remember the depth of your love for us and share it with others. In Jesus precious name, we pray. Amen.
I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.
— Mark 2:17
Thought Of The Day...
Most of us would rather be around people like ourselves. We feel most comfortable with those who look like us, think like us, talk like us, act like us, and more. We tend to avoid people who are different from us, especially if they have a questionable moral character.
So why would Jesus talk with Levi the tax collector (also called Matthew)? In that day, tax collectors were despised as traitors and thieves among their own people because they grew rich working for the Romans and their emperor. And as if talking to Levi wasn’t enough, Jesus also ate at Levi’s house with other tax collectors and sinners!
Didn’t Jesus care about tainting himself by mingling with such people? He answered, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
The truth is, “sinners” refers to everyone: Jesus’ self-righteous accusers, the others at Levi’s house, and each one of us as well. Here we see Jesus’ grace vividly extended to everyone around him, grace that transforms lives and changes the world. Only Jesus’ saving grace can do that.
Only by Jesus’ saving grace can we come into right fellowship with God. And once his grace touches our lives, we too should let it flow to those around us, including “tax collectors and sinners.”
Prayer...
Heavenly Father, We come before you with humble hearts, recognizing that we are all sinners in need of your grace and forgiveness. Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, to offer us this precious gift of grace. May we never take it for granted but instead, allow it to transform our hearts and minds.
As we read in Mark 2:17, Jesus, you did not come for the righteous, but for the sinners. You showed us that no one is too far gone to receive your love and mercy. Help us to have a heart like yours, to extend your grace to everyone around us. May we see others through your eyes, not judging or condemning, but showing them your unconditional love and forgiveness.
We also pray for those who have not yet experienced your grace, that their hearts may be softened and their eyes may be opened to your love. Use us as instruments of your grace, to share your love and truth with those who do not know you.
Thank you for your unending grace and for the incredible gift of salvation through your Son, Jesus. May we always remember the depth of your love for us and share it with others. In Jesus precious name, we pray. Amen.
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