When Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Mark 2:17 WEB
God speaks to Israel in Exodus 15:26 saying, “If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you. WEB” This passage relates to physical sickness. However, it ties the outcome of good health directly to obedience to the word of God.
The bible uses sickness literally and figuratively. Christ uses the word “sick” in Mark 2:17 as a metaphor for sin. In another instance, prior to healing a man suffering from paralysis in Mark 2:5 Jesus says, “Son, your sins are forgiven you. WEB” The faith of the crowd prompted the healing, but Jesus forgave the man’s sins before he healed him. Sometimes, Jesus relates sin to actual human infirmity.
In ancient times, God sent plagues and disease to punish the wicked as he did to the Egyptians before the Exodus. Even today, there are unhealthy consequences to many questionable behaviors. However, Jesus indicated that our corrupt nature isn’t always the cause of our ailments. In the gospel of John, when Jesus healed the blind man, Christ told his disciples that his blindness did not result from sin.
Sin and Separation
Our sinful nature separates us from God. Sin destroys our healthy relationship with our Creator. As we read in Isaiah 59:2, “but your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear. WEB” The sickness of sin and disobedience to the will of God causes a division between God and man that is only reconciled by repentance from sin through faith in Christ.
Many people feel they do not need a Savior. Others think that they are too far gone for God to want anything to do with them. Jesus’ words about calling sinners to repentance make it clear that God desires to restore broken people to right standing with him.
Everyone Has Sinned
It’s important to note that in God’s eyes there are no righteous men without salvation. As it says in Romans 3:23, “for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God. WEB” The Old Testament records something similar saying in Ecclesiastes 7:20, “Indeed, there is no one on earth who is righteous, no one who does what is right and never sins. NIV”
We all need the salvation offered in the gospel message of Jesus. We all fall short, but God is full of mercy and grace. In our repentance, the will restore us to the righteousness of Jesus Christ.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for making a way for me to be near you through faith in Jesus Christ. As you call sinners to repentance, open the eyes of those blind to your goodness. Heal the hearts of the broken and help each person understand the depth of your love. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Whoever Humbles Himself
