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Repent

Jesus replied to them, “It is not those who are healthy who need a doctor, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Luke 5:31–32 (CSB)

In the bustling city of Capernaum, amidst a crowd of eager followers, Jesus uttered profound words that continue to resonate with believers today. This statement encapsulates the heart of Jesus’ ministry on Earth, revealing His boundless compassion and unwavering commitment to bring salvation to all, regardless of their past or present shortcomings. Let us delve into this powerful message and discover the profound love and grace that Jesus offers to sinners like you and me.

The Divine Physician: Jesus likened Himself to a compassionate physician who tends to the sick and broken. Just as a skilled doctor cares for the physically afflicted, our Lord extends His mercy to those burdened by the weight of sin. This analogy reveals Jesus as the ultimate healer of our souls, ready to mend the wounds and transform lives through His redemptive power.

In acknowledging our spiritual ailments, we take the first step towards accepting Christ’s healing touch. The realization of our brokenness allows us to approach Jesus with humility and seek His forgiveness and restoration.

The Inclusive Call: In His ministry, Jesus did not surround Himself solely with the righteous and morally upright; instead, He embraced sinners and outcasts. The Pharisees often criticized Him for mingling with tax collectors, prostitutes, and others deemed as societal outcasts. Yet, Jesus saw the potential for redemption in each person, regardless of their past.

Through His interactions with sinners, Jesus exemplified the unyielding love and acceptance that God extends to all humanity. He did not come to condemn but to save (John 3:17). In His boundless love, Jesus sought to draw sinners towards repentance, leading them to the path of righteousness.

The Call to Repentance: While Jesus accepts sinners unconditionally, His message remains clear: repentance is necessary for true transformation and reconciliation with God. Repentance involves a genuine turning away from sinful behaviors, a change of heart, and a desire to live in obedience to God’s will.

The call to repentance is an invitation to a renewed relationship with God, one marked by forgiveness, reconciliation, and spiritual growth. When we heed this call, Jesus extends His hand to lift us from the depths of sin and set us on the path of righteousness.

The bottom line: The words spoken by Jesus in Luke 5:31-32 reflect the essence of His divine mission on Earth. He came not for the self-righteous but for the sinners, extending His love, compassion, and mercy to all who would accept it. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus provided the means for sinners to find forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life.

Let us respond to His call with open hearts, acknowledging our need for Him as the Divine Physician of our souls. In repentance, we find a loving Savior who embraces us in our brokenness and grants us the gift of transformation. May we continuously seek Jesus, trusting in His unfailing love, and share His message of hope with a world in need of His redemptive touch.

  • Psalm 38:3 (CSB) — 3 There is no soundness in my body because of your indignation; there is no health in my bones because of my sin.
  • Psalm 38:7 (CSB) — 7 For my insides are full of burning pain, and there is no soundness in my body.
  • Matthew 9:12–13 (CSB) — 12 Now when he heard this, he said, “It is not those who are well who need a doctor, but those who are sick. 13 Go and learn what this means: I desire mercy and not sacrifice. For I didn’t come to call the righteous, but sinners.”