Other than for scheduled yearly checkups, I don’t go to the doctor. I don’t go to the mechanic to have them gaze at my vehicles. I don’t have plumbers come to the house to simply chat. Jesus did not come to this world to engage with the righteous.
“12But when he heard it, he said, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13Go and learn what this means: “I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.” For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.’” — Matthew 9:12-13 (ESV)
Jesus, when He began His ministry, did not go to the temple and find the most righteous there. No, He found fishermen and tax collectors. He found the men that would do the job for Him and not for the sake of the job. These men were sinners and had plenty to learn and were eager to do it. When Jesus asked, they just went without any ask of what was in it for them.
“9As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And he rose and followed him.” — Matthew 9:9 (ESV)
Jesus came for the sinners not the righteous. That means He came for me. Yes, specifically for me. He knew me and that I needed Him and His salvation. He made sure that I had the opportunity to hear the gospel and that I would find Him as the answer to what I was looking. Jesus came for me.
Since Jesus came for the sinners to ensure they had the opportunity to receive the gospel, shouldn’t I follow His example and do the same. I know that it is easy to go on life and commune with those who are like me. But if Jesus met with sinners on a regular basis to bring them the gospel and salvation, shouldn’t I be willing to do the same. I should fellowship with my brothers and sisters in Christ and commune with those who are unknown to be.
I have to remember though the reason I am here and that is to bring the example of Christ and the gospel and not judgment or condemnation. It is easy to tell others that they are wrong and that they need what I have, yet that is not what Jesus did as the example of what right looks like. Jesus simply hung with them and demonstrated God’s love every step. He was the bringer of the gospel and offered salvation to all. There was no rebuke of those who would not accept, He simply moved on to the next opportunity. He came for sinners, but did not force them to get on the bus, as in the case with the rich young man who asked what it would take to have eternal life and was unwilling to follow through with the giving away of all of his wealth (Matthew 19:16-30).
Who is it that you commune? Are relegating yourself to only engaging with those who are like you? What if you recognized that you are a sinner, like everyone else, and brought the gospel to them as it was brought to you?
Trevor's Thoughts 