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The Calling of Sinners

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Mark 2:17(NIV)

On hearing this, Jesus said to them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.

I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

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Jesus was walking along the Galilee lake.
Once again Jesus appeared beside the lake and a large crowd came to him.

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Jesus saw them and began to teach them about heaven.
Wherever Jesus could teach, He preached the gospel to the people.

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There was a tax collector's booth that collected the Jew's taxes and then sent them onto Rome. As he walked along, Jesus saw the tax collector, Matthew sitting at the booth.

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In those days, the Jews thought that the tax collectors could not go to heaven and that they were the most sinful of men. So the people did not get along with the tax collectors.

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However, Jesus came to the tax collector sitting at the booth.
Jesus told him, "Follow me."
This meant that Jesus would make him his disciple.

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The tax collector was amazed and surprised.
Because Levi respected Jesus and wanted to follow him.
It was amazing and a miracle to be called as one of Jesus' disciples.

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Levi wanted to be Jesus' disciple although he should quit his job.
So he began to follow Jesus and threw away all he had at once.

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Levi was so glad that he invited Jesus to his own house. He also invited his friends who were tax collectors but who also respected Jesus and had a meal together. They did not publicly reveal themselves because of the people but secretly they followed Jesus too.

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Jesus eating with the tax collectors and said to the disciples:
 "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?"

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On hearing this, Jesus said to them,
 "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick."

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Jesus continued, " I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

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This saying pointed out that the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law considered themselves holy.
Jesus did not want such arrogant people.

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However the tax collectors who had a meal with Jesus realized themselves to be sinners and longed for Jesus sincerely. Jesus came to forgive people who confess, "I am a sinner" and lead them to heaven.

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Jesus knew that the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law did not love God at all in their hearts but rather only boasted to serve God well. But Jesus knew how much Levi loved Him and longed for Him sincerely. So Jesus visited Levi that day.

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Today Jesus does not judge us by our looks. Jesus knows how much we love Jesus.Jesus visits those who really want Jesus in their hearts and gives them grace. I hope that you will have humble hearts where Jesus can freely come inside and reign.