Matthew 9:11–12: “And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, ‘Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?’ When Jesus heard that, He said to them, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.'”

January 7th, 2022 by Pastor Ed in devotional

Often we want others to be saved as long as they look like, talk like, and act like us. But do we care about alcoholics, drug addicts, prostitutes, and homosexual activists? Jesus attracted people who were often the least desirable in society, which caused the religious people of His day to reject Him. But the fact remains that if the Holy Spirit’s restraining power is removed, everyone is capable of any of those sinful acts. Regardless of our status or position in society, we all need to meet with Jesus and discuss the health of our souls.

In the 18th century, Selina Countess of Huntington invited the Duchess of Buckingham to come and hear George Whitfield preach. The Duchess wrote to the Countess about the Gospel that Whitefield preached as follows:

It is monstrous to be told that you have a heart as sinful as the common wretches that crawl on the earth. This is highly offensive and insulting; and I cannot but wonder that your ladyship should relish any sentiments so much at variance with high rank and good breeding.¹

Her pride had closed her ears to the Good News. It is only when we realize that we are as “sinful as those common wretches” that we are open to receive salvation.

“Thank you, LORD, that You are the Great Physician who comes to broken sinners with healing and cleansing.”

¹Marmaduke Miller and Swann Withington, ed. The United Methodist free Churches’ Magazine, Volume XX (London: Thomas Newton, 1887), 204.