By Janice Hall
Overview
Scripture Lesson Text : Mark 2:13-17
Jesus fulfilled the focus of His ministry as described in Mark 1:38. Levi (also known as Matthew in Matthew 9:9) was a tax collector. The Jewish people considered tax collectors as traitors because they worked for the Roman government. They were also known as extortioners because they kept whatever they over collected. Levi was called to be a disciple and responded to Jesus’ invitation by leaving his business and followed Jesus.
We see in verses 15-17, Jesus is accused of fraternizing with sinners. Jesus dines at Matthew’s home, sharing a meal with other tax collectors. The Pharisees question the disciples, asking why Jesus associated with these individuals. Jesus responds to their criticism with a parable, explaining that just as a physician tend to the sick rather than the healthy.
Jesus has come to call sinners , not the righteous. He not only calls sinners to follow Him and join Him in the work of building the Kingdom of God, but also to associate with them. Jesus draws close to them and identifies with them.
Related Scriptures
Related Scriptures: Matthew 9: 9-13; John 1:35-51; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
The calling of Matthew is an episode in the life of Jesus, which also appears in three synoptic gospels- Matthew 9: 9-13, Mark 2: 13-17, and Luke 5: 27-28. This is the first meeting between Matthew and Jesus. Matthew was a tax collector who became a disciple. We have a story of God’s sovereignty and man’s corruption and wickedness .When the Pharisees ask Jesus why he eats with sinners, Jesus responds “ I have come to call not the righteous but sinners”. We are accepted to Jesus, just as we are.
John shows Jesus to be the goal of John the Baptist’ ministry. The point of John’s ministry was to call our attention to the superiority of Jesus. To call Jesus, the Lamb of God meant the finality at the climax of Israel’s history. God was sending the final sacrifice for sin that would end all other sacrifices. Coming to Jesus, in John’s gospel means entrusting oneself to Jesus and receiving His promises.
In 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Paul makes it clear, that how one lives reflects their relationship with Christ. The gospel offers forgiveness and salvation to anyone willing to come to God in faith. Paul asks the question “ do you not know”, to remind the Corinthian Christians of one group who will not inherit God’s kingdom; the unrighteousness or the wrongdoers. Paul provides examples, identifying them by the sins they embrace – sexual immorality, idol worship, adultery, and homosexual acts. Paul explains these labels are removed when a person comes to faith in Christ, and is declared righteous by God.
Practical Point
The best obedience is immediate obedience.
Obedience brings God’s favor into our lives. When we obey God, we will not have to live under pressure in life. God will cause us to increase as we obey Him. When we are quick to do His will we can acquire a greater confidence that our steps are ordered by the Lord. Delayed obedience is disobedience.
God wants us to obey Him so He can bless us. Obedience to God’s word is the way a living faith can be seen. A true believer will obey without any questions. “I will run the way of thy commandments, When thou shalt enlarge my heart” (Psalms 119:32). “If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land” (Isaiah 1:19).
