Jesus Heals the Broken

As we continue our Advent series, this week we are looking at Mark 2:13–17, where Jesus compares His ministry to the work of a physician. After a physical healing that stirred no small controversy, Jesus re-enters Capernaum and calls Matthew (Levi) the tax collector to be His disciple. Jesus’ invitation to a greedy traitor of Israel ruffles the feathers of many, including the religious leaders. When Jesus continues His ministry through a dinner celebration at Matthew’s house, the Pharisees question His methods. They ask His disciples why Jesus has such intimate friendships with known sinners. Jesus responds by comparing Himself to a doctor: a physician is only helpful to the sick, and those who follow Him must recognize their sin-sickness. We rejoice that Jesus has come for sinners, because we are all in desperate need of His healing ministry.