Jesus, soul doctor

Then Levi had a big feast in his house for Jesus, and among the guests was a large number of tax collectors and other people. Some Pharisees and some teachers of the Law who belonged to their group complained to Jesus’ disciples. ‘Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and other outcasts?’ they asked.
Jesus answered them, ‘People who are well do not need a doctor, but only those who are sick.’
(verses 29-31)

Read Luke 5: 27-39

Mud sticks. That’s a fact of life. Why befriend this low-life when you don’t have to, Jesus? Why risk your reputation? You can’t help people like that unless they really want help. Why mix with them?

Nothing has changed. It’s hard for disreputable people to enter ‘middle-class’ society, and this includes our churches. How does your church rate in this area? Sure, you admire those who make the effort with such people, and you genuinely feel sorry for these people.

Fortunately, Jesus sees life differently. He sees behind the façade to the crying soul and the person’s need.

He sees behind your façade  too. He sees where you really are,­ what’s bothering you, hurting you, saddening you. He sees your need for a true soul-doctor, someone who can cure the sickness in your soul, remove the uncleanness and make you well.

Jesus, my personal soul-doctor, cure my soul-sickness. Heal those areas of my life that hurt and bother me. Thank you for wanting to associate with me and giving me hope. Amen.

by Alicia Simpfendorfer, in ‘God’s Peace for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2005)

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