Luke 5:29-32
(Matthew 9:10-13; Mark 2:15-17)
Suggested further reading: Romans 5:6-11
One of Christ's principal offices is that of Physician. The
scribes and Pharisees who criticized him for eating and drinking with
publicans and sinners received a clear reply (v. 31).
The Lord Jesus did not come into the world, as some suppose.
to be nothing more than a Lawgiver, a King, a Teacher and an
example. Had this been all the purpose of his coming it would have
been small comfort for man. Diet tables and rules for living are all
very well for the convalescent, but not suitable to the man labouring
under a mortal disease. A teacher and an example might be
sufficient for an unfallen man like Adam in the Garden of Eden. But
fallen sinners like ourselves want healing first, before we can value rules.
The Lord Jesus came into the world to be a Physician as well
as a Teacher. He knew the necessities of human nature. He saw us
all sick of a mortal disease, struck with the plague of sin and
dying daily. He pitied us and came down to bring us divine medicine
for our relief. He came to give health and cure to the dying, to heal
the broken-hearted, and to offer strength to the weak. No sin-sick
soul is too far gone for him. It is his glory to heal and restore life to
the most desperate cases. For unfailing skill, for unwearied
tenderness, for long experience of man's spiritual ailments, the great
Physician of souls stands alone. Have we ever applied to him for relief?
We need to be frequently reminded that only those can
receive benefit from him who will confess that they are ruined,
bankrupt, hopeless, miserable sinners. Let us use this mighty truth if we
have never used it before. Are we conscious of our own wickedness
and sinfulness? Do we feel that we are unworthy of anything but
wrath and condemnation? Then let us understand that we are the very
persons for whose sake Jesus came into the world (v. 32). If we
feel ourselves sinners Christ calls us to repentance.
For meditation:
Let not conscience make you linger,
Nor of fitness fondly dream.
All the fitness he requireth
Is to feel your need of him
(Hart).
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