Do you remember middle school lunch, when the table you sat at said so much about who you were? Like a predictable scene from a tween television series, popular kids sat at one table and theatre kids sat at another. Everyone sought “coolness” and thought “geekiness” could be caught like a cold. But in those shows, there’s always one heroic character who breaks the status quo, mixes up the social groups, and earns the respect and praise of their peers. In reality, though, failing to stick to the status quo doesn’t always get applause. And for Jesus, it was downright dangerous.
During Jesus’s ministry, a religious group known as the Pharisees were considered the “cool kids,” so to speak. They were devoted to the Mosaic Law, so much so that they added more restrictions and limits in an attempt to get people to follow their interpretation of how to pursue holiness. As respected keepers of these laws, the Pharisees created a holiness hierarchy where they sat supreme. So, you can imagine their frustration and confusion when Jesus entered the scene and associated with known sinners, forgiving them of their sins.
On one occasion, the Pharisees caught Jesus dining at a table with tax collectors and sinners and asked why He would align Himself with this group of people—as if being a tax collector or a sinner might somehow rub off on Jesus. The Pharisees could not understand why Jesus spent time with those people instead of “holy” people. They completely missed the grace of true forgiveness He came to offer.
It’s so easy to think like a Pharisee. I can get caught up in my own self-righteousness, deciding who is most worthy of forgiveness based on my standards. Thankfully, Jesus sees what we cannot: the heart. He said, “I didn’t come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Mark 2:17). And anyone who receives Jesus also receives “the right to be children of God” (John 1:12).
Unlike a school hierarchy of popularity, or a Pharisaical hierarchy of holiness, Jesus is not ashamed to call us His brother or sister (Hebrews 2:12). He doesn’t need our attempts to appear righteous. His righteousness extended to us is enough. Despite knowing all the ways we fail Him, He forgives.
What matters is that Christ is proclaimed for who He is and what He has done. He is the Savior who came to forgive and heal and make us more like Him. It is His work that makes us worthy of His presence. Now, we are defined by an invitation to sit at His table, where all are welcome.
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91 thoughts on "Jesus Forgives & Heals"
God thank you for your mercy and your Word that shows us what is true. May we cling to it today.
This is encouraging! Jesus wanted to be with people like me!
I love what Bailey said, “It is His work that makes us worthy of His presence. Now, we are defined by an invitation to sit at His table, where all are welcome.”
Study notes from FSB – “In the ancient world. Dining together was a primary example of identity and belonging.”
How much more does Jesus’ invitation mean when we truly understand that it identifies us with Him and proves that we belong to Him.
I had to smile at the table analogy. It brought back memories. I am so grateful for Jesus. There will always be people who don’t like others. They will judge and condemn. Jesus is an amazing man. He gives life to all.
Love This so much. And Am so thankful for the Forgiveness of God.
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Loved this!
Such a great reminder that we are all in need of a saviour. I’m not any worse than the best Christian I know but I’m also not any better than the worst sinner I know. Humbling.
This stuck out to me as well. It was a great reminder that we owe grace to everyone we encounter.
The part where they compared the Pharisees with “Popular” kids was what stuck out. How they only want to associate with “holy” people and can’t fathom why Jesus would want to associate with “unclean” people. The “you can’t sit with us” Mean Girls mentality is so toxic and I am glad Jesus showed the way. Showed us that we can talk to everyone and still be holy. That accepting others as they are makes us holy. :)
Thank you lord
My heart goes out to the Pharisees and the Jewish people who had been keeping The Law of Moses. I think even Jesus, as a Jew, kept The Law (He did say, He didn’t come to abolish The Law, but to fulfill it) so I can see how they would have questioned Jesus’s self-proclaimed authority, and to a point, I can see why the Pharisees would want to keep an eye on Jesus, gather some evidence, double check their prophecy books, etc. At some point, the evidence would have been overwhelming that what Jesus claimed to be true about Who He Is is, in fact, true. I’m grateful to have had all these centuries in between the time of Jesus walking on the earth and now. I have to admit, I probably would have fell into the skeptic camp and hope I would have become one who did repent and believe.
It’s a reminder that your linage doesn’t gain you access to the kingdom. We are all on the same playing field called life. Living on earth it’s hard to grasp this concept, but there’s no respecter of persons. I am grateful today to be a daughter of the king.
Mark 2:10 stuck out to me. Jesus did miracles so that they can know that He has authority to forgive sins. As we read it’s easy to think of the story from where we are but if we allow ourselves to stand in their shoes we’ll see it all in anew light.
Yes I agree very good devotion. I need to remember this. “I didn’t come to call the righteous, but the sinners.” May I never act like a Pharisee. It’s easy to fall into that trap. We need to love more and judge and question less.
Sorry about my selfishness
Jesus doesn’t need our attempts to be righteous, His righteousness extended to us is enough.
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Monique, that’s awesome! I can say the first time I reward through it, it took me forever. As in years. However, I read through it last year in one year again. The more I read it, the easier it get. Not so scary anymore! God bless you!
I love the comparison here with the high school lunch tables. It really made it sink in and relatable.
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Powerful reading.. I wany to sit with Jesus
So good
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Loving this devotional! Very thought provoking.
So awesome!
This is my first time reading the bible which has been a little scary, but getting to know Jesus is so AMAZING. Thank you for everyone’s opinions and comments as it really helps me (a beginner) break down and understand the passage. Bailey’s article helped as well as it helped me illustrate a picture in my head.
Thank goodness He came for the sinners and not the righteous! “Lord, let me focus on my need for your will in my life daily.”
Great devotion. Jesus loved everyone and we should do the same. He never compromised but only spoke truth and that truth brought healing and forgiveness. How lovely is grace
Hello Ellen! My understanding has always been that Jesus says this to the unclean spirits because He knew as word would spread, so would the anger and jealousy of the Pharisees, and thus start the plot to kill Him.
We see Him tell Mary a similar thing in John 2 when He turns the water into wine as well as Mark 1 when he heals the man with leprosy.
I saw another gal recommended The Chosen series and I second it! Watching that show really helped me see Jesus’ compassion, love and personality in a more tangible way. It doesn’t replace the Bible at all, but it helped put more of a tangible person for me in Jesus. I specifically remember the episode where Jesus heals the lame man after He is lowered from the roof. Seeing how the actor.protrayed Jesus….seeing Jesus’ face as the Pharisees watched Him heal and start to hate Him….it started to click for me how Jesus wanted His ministry to flourish as long as possible. How much He loved being among us.
Hello E _! I have a few thoughts…first being that we don’t know that Jesus didn’t go out to Mary and his siblings. It just says that He advised that those who do God’s will are His brothers, sisters, and mother (Mark 3:35). He may have gone and spoken to them later, He may not have. We are not told one way or the other but we know Jesus was loving, perfect, and the Son of our good and wonderful Father, so we can trust that whatever He did was right and honorable.
Also, Mark 3:21 tells us that his mother and siblings were coming to “restrain him” because “He (was) out of his mind”. They were coming to restrain Him from preaching and doing God’s will. That leads me to think that even they didn’t fully understand Jesus as the Messiah at that point (keep in mind, the Jews idea of who the Messiah would be and how He would accomplish God’s will was drastically different than who Jesus really was and what He did). Instead of supporting Jesus in His walk to obey God, they were going to try to restrain Him. Had they been inquiring of God first, they wouldn’t have tried to stop Jesus. Yes, family is important, but God is our first priority as we are here FOR Him and by Him.
I hope that helps!
The name Jesus in the Greek form is Yeshua which means “to save”. Literally, Jesus came to save us from our sins. Whenever you are in need of help call the name of Jesus to save you. I have noticed how my thoughts are sometimes bombarded by Satan. I just repeat the name of Jesus so he can save me.
Today the passage about the healthy not needing a physician and Jesus being here for the sinners really stood out for me. So quickly I think we forget that we are all sinners and that he is here for us, to redeem us and make us holy.
I love this story-image of the middle school lunch room. It brings a whole new understanding of this passage. The biggest thing I get out of this passage is the contrast between those who understand what Jesus is all about and those who have no clue and who don’t even care to learn what he is about because it would mean associating with “those people,” humbling themselves, and laying down their lofty social power. I want to use this analogy when talking about Jesus with those around me…it’s so good!
I need the reminder that Jesus does miracles, because I’m not seeing these moves in my own life. In fact, I’ve seen the exact opposite happen the second I get done praying. I feel hopeless.
But His word is truth, and our God is a loving, living God that knows all and can do all. Leaning on this tonight.
Good stuff!
I couldn’t help but to see America as the house divided. I fear that we are headed for a fall. I pray that God will forgive our sins and heal our nation.
“We are defined by an invitation to sit at His table”…it is all His work and nothing we do. He forgives our sins and gives His righteousness to us who are the sick and the sinners. Thank you God for your constant grace and mercy
I enjoy always reading about the friends who did whatever it took to get their paralyzed friend to Jesus. I pray I can be that type of friend to all I come to know to lead them at least one step closer to knowing Jesus
The passage in Mark 2 where the friends lower the paralytic through the roof has always been one of my favorites! I find it so ironic that Jesus heals him so that they will believe that he has the power to forgive sins & yet, today isn’t it the opposite? We have faith for Jesus to wash our sins, but so often not to heal our bodies – partly because we don’t always see it, but I want to push in for more of what God has for us as his children. I want everything he has for me. Jesus you are beautiful.
I respect that Jesus didn’t let rules and regulations get in the way of helping others. He always chose helping humanity over keeping the Pharisees laws and I love that.
“Despite knowing all the ways we fail Him, He forgives” … thank you, Jesus! ♥️ Thank you for your grace and forgiveness.
Such good, good stuff today! I usually like to read the study in the morning but the great thing about waiting till the afternoon is even more amazing comments and insights from all of you! @Heidi, wow- so true, thanks for pointing that out for all of us! @churchmouse and Tina, love your insights as always. I am so thankful for this study that has really helped me dive into the Bible better! It has been a few years now and I know many of your personal stories and own growth, and know that every comment is helping someone!
So much to apply today, especially within my current situation. I love the reminder to not get caught up in the status quo, which lately has been so so easy to do because it’s “acceptable” by those around me. I have to remind myself that sometimes, this journey involves straying away from the crowd, and being okay with that.
An overarching theme I’m seeing in today’s reading is about Jesus trying to shake up the religious leaders way of thinking. For people who knew the law so well, they were missing out in the fact that Jesus was living out the Old Testament prophecies about what the Messiah would do. He would heal people, set the captives free and proclaim good news to the poor. I pray that as Christians today we don’t miss out on what God is really doing, because we are too busy focusing on things that don’t really matter.
There was various resistance to Jesus doing his good works, from legalistic rules and restrictions, some from unclean spirits, and strongly from religious people. I feel the same types resistance are present today. Sometimes majority of persecution to the church are the modern day pharisees sitting within the crowd. Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees, Jesus cautions us. But look at His actions, Jesus fears not, moving on and IGNORES the offence caused and many accusations against Him…..TO DO GOD’S WILL. May we pay not attention to offences and keep our mind on the goal. Accusers are going to accuse (regardless of good or bad), and by their fruit we know who they are. Even when his mother comes to look for him, Jesus gave a bold statement saying if you do God’s will, you’re qualified to be my mother (what?), you belong in my family. No need to be blood related here. Just do God’s will my dear brothers and sisters, and you are my family. Only the Maker of All things can drop such a bomb statement. By what He does, we know Who He Is. Glory to the GREAT I AM.
Churchmouse, thank you for your wise words.
E _ and Natasha Fish it says in Mark 3:20-21 that his family thought He was crazy and wanted to seize Him. Maybe they were listening to the crowd and not trusting what they knew of Him. Their faith doesn’t seem to be where it needed to be when they come to Him.
@ Ellen–my commentary mentions that Jesus wanted to quieten the unclean spirits because they, and their claims, would not be seen as trustworthy.
In John 19:26-27 at His crucifixion he see’s his mother and says to the disciple whom he loved (I think John?) He says to him mother “woman, behold your son” and to the disciple “behold your mother”. He cared for her, but at the point in Mark 3 she was thinking He was out of his mind and wanted to stop him in his ministry.
Sorry it cut me off… He knew His mission was to serve God and He would not be pulled from His Father’s work. Much the same way He tells Peter to “get behind me Satan” when Peter is trying to interfere with the Father’s work.
I have always struggled with this part as well, even before I was a mother. Mary and his brothers had come to take Him away in an act of protection but He would not be pulled from His ministry. He knew Hi emission and
10But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” — he told the paralytic — —- Jesus points out what our primary need is and why He came…. our salvation. This is what truly matter…..
When I read ” When Jesus heard this, he told them, “It is not those who are well who need a doctor, but those who are sick. I didn’t come to call the righteous, but sinners.”” I knew I was included in this and Jesus was talking to me.
Bailey really spoke to me especially in the last paragraph when she talks about what matters to Christ and God. She mention how He invites us to the table. When I read this I thought of the song “Come To the Table” by Sidewalk Prophets. Some of the words are
“He said come to the table
Come join the sinners who have been redeemed
Take your place beside the Savior
Sit down and be set free
Come to the table
Come meet this mightly crew of misfits
These liars and these thiefs
There’s no one unwelcome here
So that sin and shame that you brought with you
You can leave it at the door
Let mercy draw you near.”
Lord, I thank you for sending Your Son to die for my sins and for Your forgiveness. I rejoice in knowing that I have a way into Heaven through Jesus. Amen.
So much to appreciate and apply today. I for one am in awe of the four men who carried the paralytic man to Jesus and then, because they didn’t have access to the door, carried him to the roof, made an opening and lowered him down! Wow! God help me have a Faith as strong and persistent as these brothers!
So very thankful that He came to save the sinner, for that is me. The word Grace is so beautiful to this soul and He offers it to us all. 1 Timothy 1:15–16 Amen Anna Chviedar. And Tina, I love that you get to meet and serve at the King’s table it reminds me of David inviting in Jonathan’s son who had been crippled as a child and David seeking him out and bringing him to the King’s table. Isn’t that how we all long to be welcomed that we would be invited in to the presence of our King. May we be opening the door and welcoming others. Thanks Tina! Crysta, praying as you walk forward this day you feel Jesus right there beside you and His light and love wrapped around you. Shine on All you Lovelies. He gave it all that we might be saved and He is Emanuel. So so Good!
Thank you Jesus for loving me and my fellow man. All are welcome at your table. They only have to accept your free gift. You paid the ultimate price for us to stand with you before the Father and say she/he is ours. Thank you for taking it all so that we can all eat at your table. What a day of rejoicing that will be!
Jesus was angered then grieved at the hearts of the Pharisees. I finally get to see Jesus differently-from the never angered always perfectly calm being to an older brother who wishes to help his siblings understand what we think is wrong.
This morning I was struck by Mark 3:31-35. I understand the point, that Jesus was saying we’re all his brothers and sisters and family if we do His will. But I just imagine Mary standing outside wanting to see her son and one of Jesus’ disciples coming back out and telling her what he said. Did they let her in? As a mom, that breaks my heart. And we know she was someone who loved the Lord. I’m not sure how to reconcile this. Does anyone have any insight?
I was also struck by this, especially as I am struggling with division in my family over a really tough situation, caught in the tension of right, wrong, and family loyalty. Even proclaimed Christians and God fearing people can get it wrong… I am and have been one of them. It breaks my heart. I know I need to trust God, and trust him with my broken family whom I love, comforted by the reality that I am a part of God’s family, especially when mine seems to fail… I don’t know about insight, but I’m here grappling with similar tough questions, sister ❤️
Today’s message is so humbling, sometimes I get frustrated of what others do or are doing and then I remind myself that God is WORKING on them! I was one of “them” not long ago but when he grabs you, you don’t want to let go!
My understanding is that it was a matter of timing. He wasn’t ready to be truly revealed. It could also have been so the crowds didn’t become unmanageable. But I’m no scholar, just what I’ve been taught.
Hi Ellen, I’m not really sure, but thoughts Ive had on the passage were along the lines of those who were demon possessed were likely not sought out for spiritual advice concerning the God of Abraham – so it’s possible their proclamations would have been non-helpful in spreading the Gospel? Or, another thought is I think Jesus very much presented to us a path of love and understanding to get to Him, and maybe wanted the journey to discovering who He is to be one of love and not of fear – which, if a demon was telling me this man is the Son of God, I’d be a little fearful of why… Just a couple of thoughts!
Tina and Churchmouse: I look for your comments every morning and am truly grateful for your anecdotes and insights. I wanted to take a minute to make sure you both knew that. ❤️
Thank you Lord, that you love me as I am. Please work in me and through me to reach those in need of your mercy and Grace.
I am welcomed! ALL are welcomed! My race does not define me. That is not who I am. That is not how I want to be remembered. I want to be remembered as a child of God. A follower of Christ. My Lord God Jesus gets all the glory. None of it’s me. It’s all Jesus. That’s how I want to be remembered. That I loved Jesus.
Hi Ellen there’s different commentary’s on this but I believe he didn’t want them to make him known because what the Jews were hoping for in a Messiah was not in line with what God had. They wanted a savior in terms of a warrior while God sent his son to pay for our sins.
@Tiffany – this is amazing. I love that image and how it is sown into a language. Thanks for sharing. ❤️
In traditional Chinese the character for righteous 義 is made up of two more common characters, one on top of the other: lamb 羊 over me (or I) 我. Righteousness that comes from ourselves alone is not righteous. Instead, our righteousness comes from Christ covering us.
@ELLEN DEBOER, in the other gospel accounts the same thing occurs. Jesus tells his disciples things like “my time has not yet come”. He was trying to keep himself safe from death to do as much ministry as possible so more could hear His Good News before He went to his death! I highly suggest watching The Chosen series (can find their website, app, Facebook page or YouTube for more details!) it follows along with Mark pretty well so far!!
I need Jesus’ forgiveness DAILY (thank you to whoever shared 1 Timothy 1:15-16!!). Something that stood out to me today was it seems that the Pharisees were jealous of Jesus not giving them His attention. They thought he had come to honor THEM, and so when he’s eating with sinners and tax collectors they react out of jealousy and hard hearts. Maybe they wanted to know Jesus so badly, but their mis-interpretation of who He was/is blocked their ability to TRULY understand Him. They were always there, and even out of Jesus’ love and grace He interacts with them to try and show them why He really came – but they still didn’t get it.
@Crysta, praying for you as you return to work today!
I so appreciate the way that Jesus saw & loved the people around him – a good challenge for me to do the same.
So thankful to be saved by God’s amazing grace!!
Wow, i love this!! So so true.
Just pause for a minute as you read the words that Jesus spoke. Y’all, our King is real and living and here with us now. And because of Him we have hope in life AND death. Thank you Jesus.
Mark 3:11-12 “11 And whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.” 12 And he strictly ordered them not to make him known”
Could someone help me understand why he would order them not to make him known? This was confusing when I read it.
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Hi SRT!
There’s so much to unpack in Mark two. Doing this study is showing me how much depth the book of Mark really has. Mark two had the paralyzed man, and the new wineskin reference. Those two references stood out the most to me.
I’m doing my best to be present as I go back to work today from being on medical leave for the past five weeks. In a lot of ways I feel like the man on the mat that was paralyzed. I’m not sure how to explain it, but I’m getting up and walking to my duties. I’m getting up and getting back into the swing of my everyday life. I’m grateful to still have my job. I’m grateful the Lord smiles on me and I’m still here. I’m blown away by his love and tender care. I pray I love myself one day the day that God is showing me how much he loves me.
Mark three also had a lot to unpack. Jesus explaining satan can’t drive out satan stood out to me. Evil can sweep out evil. Only the power of God can do that. Jesus getting mad at the hardened hearts of the Pharisees is so human and relatable. I get upset at hardened hearts myself. It’s hard to experience. But the flip side is my heart has also been hardened. I’m grateful for the easy yolk of Jesus. I’m grateful for the healing power of Jesus. I’m grateful for the power in Jesus’ great name. Love is the answer. Prayer is our lifeline. As mentioned, Jesus sees what we can’t. Thank God for that. Thank God he’s Christ and we are His followers.
SRT you do a brilliant job in tying in scriptures. I love that 1 Samuel 21:1-6 references the holy bread mentioned by Jesus, where Jesus is explaining the bread is used for people in need not religious belief. And I love that Hebrews 2:11-12 references Jesus mentioning who his brothers and sisters are.
I wish we could find more pleasure in admitting our shortcomings. How hurtful and frustrating to our Father that He saw our need, provided in our need, and even after many of us TAKE HOLD of that provision, sit back and act as if WE have done anything to supplement for it. As if we have done anything to deserve it. We don’t just freely share it with full grace and encouragement for the others who are still “sick”, we hold ONTO the GIFT and sit in judgment over those who need it and judge them for not having it!! Does anyone else see the hypocrisy and just CRAZY of that situation??!!! Is it just me??!!
Dearest Lord- Father… keep my heart and mind ever aware of the grace you’ve lavishly poured out on me… freely. Owing nothing. Deserving none of it. Open my eyes to see where You want me pouring it out today and may it be received fully by whomever needs it.
This past election cycle caused a Pharasaical attitude to rise up in me, I’m sad to say. I just couldn’t understand why the other side couldn’t see my side as the better side. My attitude oozed self righteousness and created tension. For which I had to ask forgiveness. I appreciate today’s reading because I need the reminder to get off and then stay off my high horse. Better yet, before that horse even trots by I need to determine to keep my feet on the ground. I need the reminder that Jesus sees all people as His image bearer and so should I.
“It is His work that makes us worthy of His presence!” Thank you God for your son and His obedience to your plan of redemption. “For it is by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves;it is God’s gift– not from works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
Today’s reading reminds me of 1 Timothy 1:15-16:
15Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.
16But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.
I love the reminder to not get caught up by the rules. That is so easy for me to do. Not because I think I am righteous or better than. Lord knows I have fallen many times, too many to count. But because I want to do right by him. I don’t want to fail Him.
I so easily get caught up in studying the bible like I am studying for an exam. I am so thirsty for His knowledge. It’s not just about what is in our head but what is in our heart.
But Jesus forgives and I can not fail in His eyes. He loves me and my heart for Him is what truly matters.
Feeling grateful for His love ❤️
“It is His work that makes us worthy of His presence”
Thank You, Jesus!
I got a bit sidetracked this morning when I read the first verse (I use NKJV) … Mark 2:1, And again He entered Capernaum after some days, and it was heard that He was in the house.
HE, JESUS, was in the HOUSE!! Jesus was IN the house! So thankful He is in MY house, heart and life today.
This reminds of the song “Rebels by Michael Ketterer) just like Jesus May we find ourselves with sinners , rebels , dreamers and those hidden in darkness so we can give them a glimpse of light.
I work for a church feeding the disadvantaged in our community. The ministry is called ‘the Kings table’
How precious is that!
All who are thirsty, all who are weak, ALL are welcome, and they come, and they feel safe, loved, seen, believed in. For the hours we are open, they feel they belong.. Thank you Jesus..
I thank Jesus because, I felt a nudging.. ‘there but for the grace of God’.
I have been that pharisee who thought herself more righteousness, I have been thst pharisee who would walk on the other side of the road, so as not to be in contact with those, I believed were less than me.. I confess most days for that person that I was, because I tell you now, our Kings table folk are Jesus’ brothers and sisters too. A lesson I got to learn by and in His grace..
We recently said goodbye to one of our brothers in Christ. He had been an addict, who tried to give up often, but the memories of his childhood and the need to forget, block it out, seemed greater than his will. A few years ago, in his ‘I can do this, I believe God can help me, days, he gave his life to Jesus. My heart is warmed to know that he is with the Father now, fully known, fully whole, healed and knowing peace..
Righteousness, is a big word, I had to write it twice to get it right, but here’s the thing.. it is not ours but through Jesus. We cannot earn it through stuff we do, thank God, because we would all fail to hit the mark..BIG TIME!
But God.
Indeed But God..
I have no right to judge, none whatsoever, and I am thankful each day that I am humbled to work for the Kings table, because I’ll tell you what, I do not bless my fellow brothers and sisters nearly as much as they bless me.
I didn’t come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Mark 2:17). And anyone who receives Jesus also receives “the right to be children of God” (John 1:12).
Like the brother we said goodbye to recently, I am a child of God, not because I am righteous, ha, I laugh, but because Jesus called me, a sinner.
Thank you Jesus, that you are the way, the truth and the life and that through you and you alone, our future is secure as children of God..
Amen..
Happy Tuesday beautiful Sisters wrapped in love.❤
Verse 3:5 comments on Jesus’ anger in response to his grief over the Pharisee’s hard hearts. So often He is reported as only being angry 1 time (when he threw the money changers out of the temple), but this gives evidence that he experienced the full range of emotions regularly.
Here in Belarus we never had the school tables problem since each class had a table and had to eat at that specific table. So we ate according to the class we belonged to, not mingling in the canteen.
Speaking about the passage: I was touched by the fact that God is so flexible. Like with the David’s hunger and eating the holy bread story or with healing a leper. Doing good and caring for people has always been above the law. But as people we get so caught up in rules that we’d rather not break them even when the need is obviously in front of us. It is so easy to become a pharisee, to stop seeing people and their needs for obedience. But God came to forgive the sins of the sinners, and to heal the broken and sick, and to proclaim the good news of the God who cares, who saves and who speaks the truth.
Despite knowing all the ways we fail Him, He forgives. Such a precious gift.