How can we better reach out to "sinners" as Jesus did in Mark 2:17? “On hearing this, Jesus told them, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.’” Setting the Scene • Jesus is sharing a meal with tax collectors and “sinners” in Levi’s house (Mark 2:15–16). • Religious leaders object, seeing such closeness as compromise. • Jesus answers with the imagery of a physician, stressing that only the sick know they need healing. Why Jesus Came • “The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). • “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15). • Our Lord’s own mission statement centers on redemption, not isolation. What We Learn About Our Own Mission • We are Christ’s body (1 Corinthians 12:27); His posture toward sinners must become ours. • Ambassadorship: “We are ambassadors for Christ… be reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20). • Holiness is not withdrawal but purity while on mission (John 17:15–18). Practical Ways to Reach Out Relationship First – Share ordinary spaces: a meal, a hobby, a neighborhood event. – Listen to stories before offering answers (James 1:19). Speak Truth in Love – Present the gospel clearly: sin, cross, resurrection, response (Romans 3:23; 6:23; 10:9–10). – Avoid harsh, self-righteous tones (Ephesians 4:29). Show Tangible Compassion – Meet physical or emotional needs as doors to spiritual needs (Matthew 5:16). – Volunteer where broken people gather: shelters, recovery groups, crisis centers. Invite, Don’t Isolate – Welcome them into Bible study, worship, and fellowship (Acts 2:42–47). – Create spaces where questions are safe and Scripture is honored. Live a Credible Testimony – Maintain integrity at work and online (Philippians 2:15). – Confess our own sins quickly; humility attracts seekers (1 John 1:9). Guarding Our Hearts • Stay devoted to prayer and the Word (Psalm 119:11). • Choose accountability partners who will warn against compromise (Hebrews 3:13). • Remember that friendship with sinners must never become friendship with sin (1 Corinthians 15:33). Relying on God’s Power • The Holy Spirit convicts of sin and draws hearts to Christ (John 16:8). • Pray for boldness and clarity (Ephesians 6:19). • Trust that God gives the growth, though we plant and water (1 Corinthians 3:6). Putting It All Together Jesus dined with the spiritually sick, offered them the remedy of grace, and called them to follow Him. We imitate His example when we step toward sinners—never away—bringing both compassionate presence and uncompromising truth, confident that the Great Physician still heals. |
    |