Ch Ch Ch Ch Changes

 Mark 2:13 – 22

Today as I begin a series of blogs and inform the reader of the words of theologian and Pastor N.T. Wright, “I am going to talk about some things I don’t really know about thus continuing my theological education in public.”   I have enjoyed studying and preparing these blogs because not only am I getting a better understanding of what Jesus is saying in his word but also slowly shedding light on Jesus’ mission here on earth and what his plan is for us as his followers.

Whatchu Talkin' Bout Jesus?

There is a lot going on in these 10 verses (13 - 22).  In this passage we witness the calling of Matthew the tax collector to become a disciple of Jesus Christ.  Jesus is criticized for keeping company with tax collectors and sinners and he is also criticized for not fasting and holding to ancient traditions.  I believe the overall theme of these verses is, “Changes are coming.  The old way is no longer sufficient a new way is being established thus the old and new cannot and will not mix.”  I do not believe Jesus was implying in any way that the old way of doing things was wrong or evil.  He was saying that the old way (keeping of the law) has passed and there is now a new way (salvation through grace and faith alone) and it is better than the old.

 This passage begins with Jesus calling Levi (the tax collector) to become a disciple of his. You and I may look at this calling as nothing spectacular and may not mean anything to us, but it was a big deal.  This was a big deal because tax collectors in this culture were looked upon fondly by the public.  They were considered swine, dogs, or even worse to the Jew ceremonially unclean.  A tax collector’s job would be comparable to what a loan shark is in modern times.  Their job involved working with “the enemy” or the “powers that be” (usually a tyrant leader, ruler or Rome in particular), and would collect more money than needed from individuals.  Basically they were legalized thieves. 

When Jesus called Levi to become a disciple we notice that he proceeded to have lunch with other tax collectors and sinners.  The Pharisee’s did not approve of this in any way.  They taught that in order to remain pure one must not associate with sinners and stay as far away from anything unclean of impure as possible.  Eating with sinners was very offensive to the Pharisees. Tax collectors were considered sinners.  The Pharisee’s viewed them as a lesser class because they were not educated and they were friends to "the enemy".  Jesus ate with them, He loved them and associated with them. 

Changes

When the Pharisee’s questioned the disciples about the company he was keeping he replied, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.  The first change Jesus announces is the sinner is no longer considered taboo or untouchable.  He can be and will be accepted by God if he in faith responds to Gods call and He becomes the Lord over his life.  The sinner is actually the reason why Jesus came to the earth.  To the “righteous” Jesus had no appeal because he had nothing to offer them.  He wasn’t there to stroke their feathers and tell them how good and holy they were.  He had a larger agenda and it included saving those who were considered unsaveable.  

This is a wonderful and comforting message for us.  Jesus will meet the sinner where he is and invite him into the family of God regardless of what he has done.  This should be a lesson to all believers.  Many Christians have taken on a Pharisaical attitude as we look at unbelievers.  We look upon those who do not believe (sinners) with disgust and anger.  Some may even have a hint of pleasure in knowing that one day some of these unbelievers may burn in a lake of fire… because they deserve it don’t they?  My prayer for you (if you are a Christian) is that you would never look upon another person in this way.  May you be compassionate to the sinner, welcoming to the searcher and not be afraid to sit down and eat or discuss matters of the kingdom with them; because they are just like you and me.  My hope is that Christians would be slow to judge others and quick to welcome.  I think one of the number one deterrents to unbelievers coming to church is the fear that when they step in through the door they will be judged by the people in the church.   My friends… it is not our job to judge, condemn or save!  This is God’s job.  He is the Great Physician.  Our job is to love the sinner and help him/her (sometimes very gently and lovingly) come to the realization that he is a sinner (like you and me) in need of God’s redeeming grace.