Beautiful Word Devotional #315

“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Mark 2:17

Jesus didn’t come for people who appeared to have their lives all together. He didn’t come for the smugly religious, the self-sufficient, or the proud. Jesus came to save sinners—which is everyone. But in this context, Jesus came to save those of us who recognize that we are sinners from our sin and its consequences.

As you’ve probably noticed, though, not everyone wants to be saved; not everyone feels a need to be saved. When we tell people about Jesus, it’s often much easier when they understand that without him they are sick and needy, when they already recognize their sinfulness and their need for a Savior. Comfortable, self-sufficient people don’t listen in the same way—and we can’t convince them that they actually need God.

When God brings people into your life who are hurting, who know they need healing, offer wise counsel, genuine friendship, a listening ear, and especially the wonderful truth about Jesus’ love.

Lord, please bring into my life people who need to know Jesus’ forgiveness and love—and then speak through me, amen.