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.
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.