Mark 2:15-17 “Now it happened, as He was dining in Levi’s house, that many tax collectors and sinners also sat together with Jesus and His disciples; for there were many, and they followed Him. 16And when the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to His disciples, ‘How is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?’ 17When Jesus heard it, He said to them, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.’”
There is an interesting phrase in verse 15 concerning the publicans and sinners: “and they followed Him.” Jesus attracted those that the religious crowd abhorred and ignored. Jesus appeared to possess a “fascination factor” that caused the lost to feel comfortable around Him. In this passage He did not argue with them, condemn them, or ignore them, He simply ate with them. The scribes and Pharisees did not understand His behavior or His theology. When questioned about His dining preferences Jesus responded beautifully in verse 17 that He would eat with those who needed Him. He did not come to earth to spend time with “church people.” He came to call the “spiritually sick” and eating with them was possibly a first step to soul conversion.
It might be good if the present day church would develop soul pre-harvest strategies to reach people who need a relationship with Christ. A meal would be a great idea. No arguing, no telling people they’re on the road to hell, just some chips and salsa. It shows we’re interested in them and not that we’re looking for another trophy on our spiritual shelf.
I firmly believe the reason we’re still on this planet is because of verse 17. There are people we need to reach. May we be used by God to lead the sick to the Great Physician. It’s time to eat!