During the current worldwide pandemic, people who have fallen ill with the Corona Virus are searching for hospitals, urgent care centers, and family physicians who can treat them and cure them as soon as possible. Those who are not sick are urged to stay home, practice social distancing, and follow all other safety measures that will help to diminish the spread of the virus. In the Bible passage above, Jesus used a simple, understandable truth–people who are sick need a physician–to make a more important point to those He was with. In verse 13, Jesus expanded on this point by telling those present to learn what He meant by the statement “I will have mercy….”
Here’s the spiritual significance: We all are suffering from sin in our lives. Sin is a spiritual disease that has only one remedy: forgiveness. We can’t erase our past sin, just as we can’t erase the fact of contracting a virus. Just as I would go to a doctor and say “I’m sick; please help me,” I can go to God and say “I’m a sinner; please forgive me!” A doctor would not turn you away, and God will not turn you away, either.
Jesus said He didn’t come to call those who aren’t sick, but those who are. Those who feel that they are whole (healthy) don’t see the need for help. People who see the effects of their sin illness realize that they are far from God and need to be saved from the effects of sin. John 3:17 says, For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. Jesus came to save those sinners who see their need for a Savior. Who qualifies as a sinner in need of God’s forgiveness? Everyone! Romans 3:23 says, For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. 2 Peter 3:9 says, The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
God wants you to see that you have a sin nature that needs the forgiveness remedy. He is not willing that you feel whole and not seek His forgiveness. There are eternal consequences to such an attitude. The wages of sin is death (see Romans 6:23a), which means that Satan wins and your soul ends up in hell. The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ (see Romans 6:23b), which means that your soul lives in heaven forever! Jesus took your punishment; you just have to accept His death and resurrection as your remedy.
Would you consider giving your sin problem to Jesus? Seek forgiveness and be saved!
- Admit you are a sinner, Romans 3:23.
- Believe that Jesus died for you, was buried, and was raised from the dead, Romans 5:8.
- Commit your life to following the sin doctor–Jesus! Romans 10:13
Recent Comments