Doctor

Luke 5:27-32 (The Message)

After this he went out and saw a man named Levi at his work collecting taxes. Jesus said, "Come along with me." And he did—walked away from everything and went with him.

Levi gave a large dinner at his home for Jesus. Everybody was there, tax men and other disreputable characters as guests at the dinner.

The Pharisees and their religion scholars came to his disciples greatly offended. "What is he doing eating and drinking with crooks and 'sinners'?"

Jesus heard about it and spoke up, "Who needs a doctor: the healthy or the sick?

Men don't like going to the doctor. Ever try to get one to go? Well, I am one...and I can tell you, things have to get pretty bad before we'll admit we need help.

Why are we that way? Who knows?

It's got something to do with not admitting weaknesses, or some craziness like that. It's a good way to end up really sick, or worse...when things could have been made well.

So, who can you ask for help?

Levi (Matthew) saw this man Jesus and decided in an instant that this was his chance. Why not? As a tax collector in the world of ancient Judaism, it was clear to him and everybody that his soul wasn't well. That's just how it was for tax collectors. They worked for Rome, and they made their living through fraud and extortion.

Jesus called this man?

Yes. Maybe because this man was the most likely to follow. He was willing to become workable clay in the hands of the master.

The "religious" folks in the crowd didn't understand. They knew they didn't need a doctor.

"What's he doing eating with those kinds of people?"

Where do you want to be in that story? Outside, feeling good about your standing, or inside -- seeing the soul's doctor?

The choice is clear. And it's the kind of Jesus people, friends, and church that we want to be.

Prayer: Help us to admit our need, and to follow the example of Matthew. Forgive us when we judge others, and give us humble hearts.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be. World without end. Amen.