I can be a bit of a contrarian—my initial reaction to any
statement is not to focus on the truth in it, but to look for ways to undercut
it. If you tell me the sky is blue, my first reaction is to point out all the
clouds. I’m not proud of it, but there ya go.
One of the many downsides of this approach to life is that I
often get fixated on minor aspects of an idea and miss the main point. I can
get so wrapped up in my own contrary thinking that I miss the overarching
message. Hearing, for instance, that you are going on vacation, my first
reaction is to be concerned about safety in travel, etc., rather than first of
all rejoicing in your time away.
Thinking most charitably of the Pharisees, I suspect they
often fell into this same trap—thinking of all the negatives and missing the
overwhelming positive. Take, for instance, this week’s text in Mark 2:13-17.
Jesus visits with “tax collectors and sinners,” and the Pharisees are appalled.
They object and challenge Jesus: “Why are you meeting with them?” they ask. Of
course, maybe they are just being jerks—snooty, nose-in-the-air, I’m-better-than-you
snobs. Or, maybe, they just are obsessing on the minor point and missing the
main one.
Possible minor points: “Don’t let the bad people drag you
down.” “They are not likely to hear you and/or your message well.” “Why don’t
you start with the most influential people, then work your way down.” “Perhaps
your time would be better spent elsewhere”?
But, they miss the main point, Jesus’ point, and He brings
it home powerfully to the audience: “Those who are well have no need of a physician,
but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but the sinners.”
(Mark 2:17)
Marvelous! Whatever dangers might be present in Jesus’
approach, whatever potential flaws the Pharisees and others might find, the
main point remains: Jesus has come to save exactly those who need Him—that is,
He came to save us all.
In preparation for worship this Sunday, and so you might
hear Him most clearly, read and think about Mark 2:13-17.
1. What is the connection between the setting of verse 13
and the calling of Levi in verse 14? What is it about where and what Jesus is
doing that prompts Levi’s call to discipleship?
2. The call to discipleship is not a one-time event. In what ways are you to respond everyday
like Levi did in verse 14?
3. Tax collectors were representative of all the wickedness
and oppression of the conquering Romans. Who would Jesus be eating with today
if He wanted to make this same impression?
4. What possible reasons might the Pharisees object to Jesus
spending time with “sinners”? Besides just being annoying jerks, what might be
their thinking?
5. What does Jesus hope the Pharisees will realize in light
of His response in verse 17? Obviously, there are a few possibilities/levels of
understanding here. What might they be, and how might they be reflected in your
own response?
