“For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Matthew 9:13 NIV)
The story of Matthew’s conversion concludes with a remarkable statement by the Lord Jesus. His association with openly sinful people and those who were shunned by society drew criticism from those who considered themselves better and more righteous. But Jesus did not share their proud and dismissive attitude. On the contrary, He focused precisely on those who needed His help.
In Matthew 9:12, Jesus compares Himself to a physician. A doctor does not visit healthy people, but the sick. They are the ones who need treatment in order to get well. In the same way, Jesus came to heal and renew people who had wandered away from God. Therefore, they may come to Him to receive forgiveness, restoration, and new life.
By this, Jesus does not mean that people who live respectable lives do not need Him. Anyone who honestly examines his or her own heart will discover sin, brokenness, and shortcomings there, even if these are not immediately visible to others. We may bring all these things to Him.
Whoever believes that he can save himself is not open to what Jesus wants to give. But those who acknowledge and confess their sin may confidently rely on His grace and forgiveness. He calls people to rise up and follow Him.
Do you need Jesus? Are you willing to follow Him?