Called to reach out to the lost.

Often religious church-going people see it as their duty to separate them from sinners, unbelievers and all who do not share their spiritual view of life. Unfortunately it is often more about upholding man-made laws and traditions, than an attitude of making sure that they do not offend God or break his commandments.  Such an attitude is more about defending our life-style than defending the honour of God!

In Mark 2:13 -17 we find that the teachers of the law had a big problem with Jesus calling sinners to follow him and that he had fellowship with them. It becomes clear when you read about the calling of Levi as a disciple of Jesus (he was also known as Matthew). He was a tax collector. Jesus called him and had a meal at his home.

Jesus chose Levi.  Tax-collectors were some of the most hated men in all Israel. They were men who had a license to steal from their own people, because they could keep any tax money that was raised over the amount the (oppressive) Roman government required. So, they generally became rich men at the expense of the masses whom they, within the bounds of the law, robbed as a result of their greed.

Such a man was Levi, or Matthew.

He also was a man who was hurting inside, who knew loneliness and who needed Jesus. And Jesus called him to follow him. He chose him to be his disciple. “What a scandal!”

Jesus went further. He went home with Levi to a supper where many of Levi’s corrupt, sell-out friends came too, and ate with them as well.

This caused a stir among the Scribes and Pharisees. They questioned the disciples of Jesus about this improper conduct.

This was not something a religious Jew should have done. The Pharisees believed a good Jew, and especially a teacher, should stay away from such company. He should not associate with them in any way, and never be a friend of fraudulent abusers of the poor – or any other sinners for that matter.

But Jesus saves.  Not those who believe they are soul-healthy, but everyone who calls on his name because they know they are soul-sick, lost and separated from God! 

Are we willing to call the “tax collectors” to become followers of Jesus – even if it requires a radical change in attitude on our part?

Jesus met the real human need of Levi the only way it could be met. Jesus was the physician of sinners and they needed him because they were soul-sick. They knew it, and he knew it, and that is why he was there with them.

To the self-righteous Pharisees who thought they needed no physician, he did not go. They did not consider themselves sick. And someone believing he/she is healthy will never call a doctor. It is only as you acknowledge your sin-sick soul that the Healer of Souls, the Great Physician, will be called to help you.

Yes, we live different lives than the sin-sick world. Not to separate us from the world, but to be able to offer an alternative – to follow Jesus – to all affected by this very world. 

We are in the world, although not from the world.  Lifesavers cannot be prohibited from saving someone, because it would cause them to break a tradition or any man-made taboo.  Christians cannot refuse to do whatever is needed to save the lost, because it asks of them to think out of the box, be compassionate towards those who offend the church - and speak the language of those seeking salvation.  

Jesus loved those of low position, even outcasts. Whom did Jesus spend time with while on this earth? Yes, he did eat fancy dinners at the homes of the influential religious establishment, the powerful. But he also associated with tax collectors and sinners. He wasn't ashamed to be seen talking with a Samaritan woman. He allowed a prostitute to anoint his feet with perfume and to dry them with her hair. He honoured these people with his presence and company and saving grace.

If you evolved from being a believer in Jesus to becoming a follower of Jesus, are you willing to invite all with repentant hearts to walk with the Lord alongside you?