Mark 2:14-17   Mark gives us a series of events.. not unlike a power point.. highlighting  Jesus' interactions with the religious leaders.. scribes and Pharisees. 

In verses 14-17  we see Jesus call Matthew/Levi  a tax collector to follow Him.  Matthew takes Jesus and His disciples home and provides dinner. He also invites other tax-collectors and "sinners" to dine with them.  This, in itself, is a beautiful picture..  Jesus.. opening His arms to welcome the lost.. 

 Then.. along came the scribes.. watching this dinner gathering.  They question the disciples "Why is He eating and drinking with tax-gatherers and sinners?" Jesus is quick to answer, "It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners." (v17)   

Do we know this Jesus ?  He calls those who need Him most.. to come into His Presence.. to share with Him a conversation.. a meal.. a message of hope.  Verse 15 tells us that "they were following Him."   Those who had been shunned by the "church".. left out of the community.. cast aside by the leaders of the Jews.. were welcomed by Jesus.  They recognized their need for the Great Physician and they came to Him willingly and found grace.  Oh may we see the Lord working in sick, broken, hopeless hearts... to bring to true healing those who will follow Him.  This is the good news that is ours to share in our world today!

Father in heaven, we praise the Name of Jesus, the eternal Son who came to call sinners.. to heal our sickness.. to mend our hearts.. to restore our souls.. Thank You for the gift of eternal life which comes through the Life, Death, and Resurrection of our Blessed Savior.  Praise God from Whom all blessings flow! Amen.