In Mark 2:13-17 we see Jesus yet again calling a man to himself, but this was not just any man, this man was a tax collector. As we learned a few weeks back, Jesus also associated with and healed a Leper, one of the most unclean and shunned people in Jesus day. In calling this tax collector to follow him, Jesus knew exactly what he was doing, for association with tax collectors in Jesus time was an unclean act as well. Tax collectors were hated most among all people groups, especially the Pharisees. 

That is not all Jesus does though. We see him not only calling this man to himself but see him also "reclining" and feasting with many tax collectors. This caused the Pharisees to question why he would do such a thing? Why would this man, this miracle worker who teaches with authority and claims to be God, be associating with the greatest moral outcasts of the day!? We will see Jesus seemingly looking right through the hearts of the Pharisees. We will see Jesus continually define and refine for us the path of his mission to come and save sinners and reconcile them to the Father. We will see Jesus as the quintessential missionary, and the Great Physician who came not to call the "righteous" but the unrighteous, not to heal those who were already "well" but those who were sick.

As you read through this passage ask yourself:

Who are you in this scenario? Do you judge from a distance those who claim to be Christians but don't follow your own moral code like the Pharisees? Do you identify with the poor, needy, sick, and outcast? Or do you take the free gift of God's righteousness in Jesus for granted and lord it over people as if it were something you've earned? Does your life as a missionary look like Jesus' life? All these questions and more will be addressed this Sunday morning.

Some songs we will be singing this week...

"Oh Our Lord" by All Sons & Daughters

"How Deep The Father's Love For Us"

"Grace Alone" by Dustin Kensrue