When Jesus heard that, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I DESIRE MERCY AND NOT SACRIFICE.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but SINNERS, to repentance.”
Matthew 9:12-13, NKJV
Oftentimes, the religious experience can turn into exclusivity. We can subconsciously shun the “sinners” and gravitate towards the “righteous” and expect to receive a special endowment of righteousness by being near them. However, that behavior can actually lead to the opposite effect of becoming immoral. Why? Because we are depending on the created world (religious men and surroundings) to save us rather than depending on Jesus. That’s breaking the first commandment (Exodus 20:3).
In those days Judah will be saved, And Jerusalem will dwell safely. And this is the name by which she will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.’
Jeremiah 33:16, NKJV
As the above text shows us, our righteousness comes from the LORD. Therefore, the condition required to be righteous is not being next to righteous people but, rather, being next to the LORD.
The question then becomes, “Where is our LORD, Jesus Christ?”
“… we need not go to Nazareth, to Capernaum, or to Bethany, in order to walk in the steps of Jesus. We shall find His footprints beside the sickbed, in the hovels of poverty, in the crowded alleys of the great cities, and in every place where there are human hearts in need of consolation.” The Ministry of Healing, pg 105.5
Jesus grew up in one of the most corrupt cities in Israel (Nazareth… See John 1:45-46, NKJV) but still maintained His purity. He was righteous, not because of His surroundings but because of His connection with His Father. We will maintain our purity not by our environment but, rather, by our connection with Jesus. And, we are most closely connected with Him when we are doing His work.
Jesus came to call sinners to repentance (Matthew 9:12, NKJV). Those who are healthy don’t need a physician. So, the work of Christ revolves around ministering to the sin-sick soul. And, in order to minister to them, you have to be around them. Look at how they described Jesus:
The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’
Luke 7:34, NKJV
Jesus was a friend of sinners?! … He came close to people. So close that He could win their affection. Here are a couple quotes from the book, The Ministry of Healing, that emphasizes this point:
Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, “Follow Me.” There is need of coming close to the people by personal effort. If less time were given to sermonizing, and more time were spent in personal ministry, greater results would be seen.
The Ministry of Healing, pgs 143.3-143.4 and 197.3
“He ate with publicans and sinners, and mingled with the common people, not to become low and earthly with them, but in order by precept and example to present to them right principles, and to uplift them from their earthliness and debasement.”
Let us follow in our Saviour’s footsteps.
Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
Matthew 16:24, NKJV