Day 3
Reading: Mark 2:1–17
SOAP: Mark 2:16–17
When the experts in the law and the Pharisees saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, they said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” When Jesus heard this he said to them, “Those who are healthy don’t need a physician, but those who are sick do. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Jesus was not an ordinary teacher. He did not spend His time recruiting wealthy students who would become religious leaders. Instead, Jesus spent time with fishermen, tax collectors, and even women (a radical and abnormal practice in first-century Israel).
Jesus was not concerned with His reputation. He spent time with those whom many religious leaders considered sinners. He ate meals with them and visited in their homes. These people (like us) needed the hope only Jesus can offer.
Jesus cared for and spent time with all people. Regardless of their past or present, He knew they needed a Savior. Jesus did not run from or avoid those whom the religious leaders rejected. He stepped into their lives and brought them hope and salvation. As we seek to be like Him, may we also be willing to associate with and befriend those who can do nothing for us in return.
Lord, help me love people regardless of their background or what they can do for me. Give me compassion instead of judgment and help me to share the Good News of Your forgiveness with those around me. Amen.