What Jesus Did! 'Among Sinners' — Mark 2:15-17

Monday, February 5, 2024

Later, Levi invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. (There were many people of this kind among Jesus' followers.) But when the teachers of religious law who were Pharisees saw him eating with tax collectors and other sinners, they asked his disciples, "Why does he eat with such scum?"

When Jesus heard this, he told them, "Healthy people don't need a doctor — sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners."

— Mark 2:15-17 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus came to save sinners. Yes, all of us are sinners. Unfortunately, many - even some people who consider themselves religious - try to pretend they are not sinners or defend the sins they have committed as "normal failures" or "mistakes." Jesus reminds us that he came to rescue sinners. He came for us. He came to call us to join him in the work of rescuing sinners. Will we respond?

Today's Prayer

Righteous Father, thank you for sending Jesus to save me from my sins. Without your grace, I know that I would be lost. Please use me to help others find their way to your grace. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

9 Related Resources by Heartlight

Jesus' Loose Lug Nuts and His RagTag Band
Article by Phil Ware
Could it be that we are more afraid of being contaminated by the world than motivated by Jesus to be salt and light? Phil Ware reminds us that we want to not only share in the Lord's Supper, but we also want our table to be like Levi's table of grace and friendship.
Loose Lug Nuts and the RagTag Band
Article by Phil Ware
Will we make the Lord's Table like Levi's table? Phil Ware reminds us that we want to not only share in the Lord's Supper, but we also want our table to be like Levi's table of grace and friendship.
Kooks
Article by Vann Conwell
Who really wants these folks in church? Jesus, of course! When a mega-pastor says he wants to get rid of the kooks that weigh his church down, Vann is not only shocked, but prays that God sends the kooks to his church.
Dinner at Levi's House
Article by Phil Ware
They're unsettling. They're uncomfortable. They're troubling. So, we don't ask, at least not out loud! Phil Ware asks a bunch of troubling questions as he looks at the story of Jesus and his call of Levi and the party Levi had at his house afterwords.
See All 9 Related Resources about Mark 2:15-17

Illustration

Illustration of Mark 2:15-17 NLT — "Why does he eat with such scum?" —— "Healthy people don't need a doctor — sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, February 5, 2024

Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Listening to the Wrong Voices' (Acts 27:10-15)
"[Because of potentially bad weather, Paul told the ship's officers of his concern about continuing the trip to Rome:] "Men," he said, "I believe..."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'God Will Ultimately Elevate His Obedient People'
"Now it shall be, if you diligently listen to and obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all of His commandments which I am..."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Water of Life' (Re. 22:1-2)
"Then the Angel showed [John] Water-of-Life River, crystal bright. It flowed from the Throne of God and the Lamb, right down the middle of the street. The Tree....."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'In a High and Holy Place' (Is. 57:15)
"The high and lofty one who lives in eternity, the Holy One, says this: "I live in the high and holy place with those whose spirits are contrite and..."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!