The sin-sick among us

Later Jesus and his disciples were at home having supper with a collection of disreputable guests. Unlikely as it seems, more than a few of them had become followers. The religion scholars and Pharisees saw him keeping this kind of company and lit into his disciples: “What kind of example is this, acting cozy with the misfits?” Jesus, overhearing, shot back, “Who needs a doctor: the healthy or the sick? I’m here inviting the sin-sick, not the spiritually-fit.” (Mark 2:15-17 MSG)

Who needs to see the doctor among us? If we have an ailing big toe, sore beyond measure, we seek advice as to how to get that toe to stop hurting. We wouldn't go to the mechanic or ask the garbage man collecting our trash what caused it, how to treat it, or when it might stop hurting, would we? We'd see the doctor - the one with the specific knowledge as to how to treat our condition. So, when we are not spiritually healthy, facing doubt or fear, why do we insist on consulting any other 'advisor' or 'expert' rather than God himself? The sick need a doctor - the sin-sick need Jesus!

Disreputable guests were always keeping company with Jesus. They were drawn to him - perhaps because of their disrepute and desire to have their reputation restored, but at least because they didn't fear his judgment or condemnation. They saw the openness of his arms - the willingness to embrace those with needs they didn't even know they had. That's how it is with 'disreputable types' - they don't need more judgment or condemnation - they need love. They need healing - hope that things can and will be different in their lives moving forward. Jesus always drew those in the crowd who needed what he brought - life, love, and hope.

Too many of us walk around 'spiritually ill', just dealing with life as it comes, not really feeling like we have the answers. We allow life's not so infrequent bumbling to mount up, one after another, until we become men and women with a 'reputation' that isn't really one we wanted to bear. Once a reputation is attached, it is hard to break free from, isn't it? We begin to see ourselves as others have labeled us - or as we have labeled ourselves by focusing on all those failures. We hear and rehear the term 'loser' and we fall beneath the load of guilt that makes us carry. Before long, we are 'sin-sick' and 'faith-poor', seeing no way out from under our disrepute.

The good news is that when we change the company we are keeping, we find the answer to our sickness! When we turn toward Jesus, keeping close company with him, even when our reputation doesn't match what others think should be the repute of one who follows Jesus, we find the love he gives, and we know our healing has begun. The ill among us do not heal overnight most of the time, do they? They need a period of time to heal. In just the same way, the 'sin-sick' among us need time to find their full 'spiritual health'. It comes as they pursue and spend time with Jesus - even if they aren't pursuing and doing things the way some more 'spiritual' among us might think they should. Just sayin!