“And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”” Mark 2:16-17

I’ve been in more doctors offices in the past 18 or so months than I can count. In some offices, I’m sure some were fine and in need of a routine checkup or physical. However in the majority of situations, the patients are usually experiencing some sort of symptoms or else wouldn’t be there. Even those there for a routine visit need a clean bill of health to continue their activities and work life.

It would be ridiculous for me to schedule an appointment like I went to today for nerve conduction if I had no reason to believe there was a problem. It would certainly be a waste of mine and the doctor’s time as well as a waste of finances. I would have no need to have his expertise if I already knew that nothing was wrong.

Jesus had no problem advising people that they needed the kingdom of heaven. All kinds of people drew near and heard His truth and received His love and gift of right standing with Father God. Many believed and many were healed. Yet many scoffed and assumed they were right with God already and rejected what Jesus advised. Those who addressed Him in this passage should’ve known Jesus as they were the religious leaders in that day and were looking for the “Messiah”, the promised One who would deliver them. They missed Him. They failed to draw near and seek his “medical attention” and as a result, they charged Him as a criminal and crucified Him.

I would hate to end up in the wrong doctor’s office and receive treatment based on my own diagnosis. From sprained and broken bones growing up, to my unknown allergy to carrots, I wouldn’t have been able to properly diagnosis my body. Furthermore, my righteousness is found in Jesus Christ and His right standing before the Father. I’m glad that He came to call me to repentance as I would’ve misdiagnosed the condition of my sin. The truth is I needed a savior, I still need a savior and I will always need a savior. I’m in need of the Great Physician both spiritually and physically. I need the finished work of the cross; salvation and healing. I’m glad that by this scripture’s definition that I am, “sick”, so that I have need of Him and that He might “eat” with me.

If you have ever wondered if you were “good enough” to approach Jesus, I have news for you you’re not and you never will be. This is good news because there is grace extended to you, empowerment to living in right standing with God when you make Jesus Christ your all and all and live for Him. He dines with the sinners and the tax collectors. He loves seeing the darkest of sin washed as white as snow. Are you sick and in need of the Physician today? :)