Today's "Moment With Mark" (34) - Good Enough?
16 December, 2012
When Jesus heard this, he told them, "Healthy people don't need a doctor — sick people do. I have come to call sinners, not those who think they are already good enough." (Mark 2:17 NLT)
We refer to the Gospel as "good news". But it is also "bad news" for some people. In other words, there is a sense in which the message of the gospel is good news for "bad" people and bad news for "good" people.
Jesus likened those who were considered "bad people" to being sick and in need of medical attention. These are they who have no doubt about their condition spiritually. They acknowledge that sin has damaged their lives profoundly.But the good news for them is that God has also recognised their need and has sent help in the person of His Son. He came to call sinners (bad people) and that is great news.
Here's the really bad news: Jesus didn't come to call the healthy (at least by theirown standards). So, by claiming they are good enough, they disqualify themselves from hearing and responding to His voice. But to acknowledge our "un-health" is to qualify for the attention of the divine doctor.