Read Luke 5 Jesus controversies and Calling

Jesus answered and said to them, Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance. (Luke 5:31-32 NKJV)

At this time, Matthew had just followed Jesus. He hosts a party for his friends. He wants them to encounter Jesus as he did. The scribes and Pharisees seeing Jesus judged Him as associating with notorious sinners, In Jesus response; we noted the plague of sin, the great Physician and the prescription.

The plague of sin as Jesus drew the analogy of those who are physically sick to that of the spiritual sickness. Paul described sin as suppressing the truth, filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving unforgiving, unmerciful (Romans 1:18-32)

The physician, Christ Himself who loves all men, overcome the power of sin and the power to forgive sin. As the sick needs the physician so the sinner needs the Saviour.

The prescription is to repent. It is the only antidote, I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. (Luke 13:3). Sinners who recognise their needs are drawn to repentance of first the sin of unbelief and then the self-will of wickedness. It is taking heed to the call before one experiences its liberty. However, these critics were sick with sin also, but they refused to see themselves that way. They were presuming on their effort of righteousness and taking pride of the self without dependence of God's grace and forgiveness initiated by Him through faith and obedience. They have denied themselves of acknowledging Jesus as Saviour.

Prayer: Lord You have come for me. I am spiritually sick and in fact dead. Your Spirit has quickened me and Your goodness led me to repentance. You bid me and I come just as I am.

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