Sunday, week two: Eating with tax collectors and sinners (Devotions for Lent from the Gospel of Mark)

Jesus has demonstrated power and authority amongst his fellow Jews. He has preached and taught, exorcised unclean spirits, healed many illnesses, forgiven sins, and restored paralyzed legs. He has withdrawn to deserted places to pray. In the synagogue and home, countryside and wilderness, his compassion and healing have extended to Jewish men and women, both clean and unclean.

Now he calls a tax collector to follow him. Tax collectors were worse than lepers. They were worse than anyone unclean. They were independent agents of the Roman Empire, collecting government tax, and making their own living by overcharging everyone. Tax collectors were the scum of the earth. They were Jews sleeping with the enemy. Now Jesus calls Levi, a tax collector, to be his follower.

Levi invites Jesus to dinner and, as usual, a crowd follows. Jesus, Simon, Andrew, James, and John sit down with Levi and his friends, a group of tax collectors and others of ill reputation.

Amongst the following crowd are some religious leaders who cannot make sense of Jesus’ actions. They later ask Jesus’ disciples, “Why does he eat with such people?” They cannot imagine why he would keep company with people so vile. Overhearing their question, Jesus says to them, “People who are well do not need a physician.”

Clearly, Jesus expects his ministry to transform lives. Jesus expects his ministry to heal people. He expects repentance. He expects faith to make a difference.

Jesus comes to help those who have the furthest to go. He comes to help the helpless. He comes as possibility in impossible situations. He comes with cleansing and reconciling power to those living outside hope. He provides a way for those beyond help and beyond condemnation. He comes to those who need him most. He comes to the despicable. To them, he is like water in the desert. He is like an unexpected miracle bringing wholeness and restoration.

That’s why he chooses tax collectors and sinners.

Text for the day:

Mark 2:13-17

Things to think about:

People who think they are right with God often begrudge God’s mercy to others.

Things to do:

Look for signs of Jesus’ inclusion, healing, and mercy in the people around you. Without drawing any attention to yourself, give thanks for what you see.

Jesus, teach me to see people as you do.