[The following is the manuscript of my sermon delivered on the 26th of April, 2015.]
Today I’d like to return to a time very early in Jesus’ ministry, when He is just getting started actually. He begins near home, working around the Sea of Galilee, building a following as He goes. He first approaches a group of fishermen. You know their names: Simon and his brother Andrew, and James and his brother John. Jesus promises to make them fishers of men and they abandon their old lives to become His disciples, to study at His feet, to learn from Him, to obey His commands.
Who was next to accept Jesus’ invitation? Listen and follow along as I read to you from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 5, verses 27 through 32...
Who was next to accept Jesus’ invitation? Listen and follow along as I read to you from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 5, verses 27 through 32...
27 After these things He went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” 28 So he left all, rose up, and followed Him.
29 Then Levi gave Him a great feast in his own house. And there were a great number of tax collectors and others who sat down with them. 30 And their scribes and the Pharisees complained against His disciples, saying, “Why do You eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”
31 Jesus answered and said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 32 I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”
--Luke 5:27-32 (NKJV)
Let us pray… Lord Jesus, we come before you this morning as humble sinners, in need of a Physician to heal our spirits. Speak to our hears, dear Lord, the message You would have us hear. In Your beautiful name, O Jesus we pray. Amen.
Because his wife had the flu, her husband attended a Sunday worship service without her. When he returned home, she asked for a recap.
Wife: “How was the service this morning?”
Husband: “Good.”
Wife: “And the special music?”
Husband: “Good.”
Wife: “Attendance is sometimes low this time of year; how was the turnout?”
Husband: “Good.”
Wife: “What was the sermon topic?”
Husband: “The importance of good communication.”
How many of you ladies can relate to that little story? How many of your husbands communicate in much the same manner as this one? “How was work today, dear?” “Ok.” “Anything interesting happen?” “Nope.” Of course, you can substitute “work” for “school” and “husband” for “teenager” and the conversation would be pretty much the same.
Effective communication is often a problem among us humans. But not for Jesus. If He thought we would not be able to understand His message in plain ordinary speech, He would paint a word picture for us using parables. But He is pretty clear in today’s scripture, isn’t He? “Follow Me”, He tells the tax collector, sitting in his booth.
By the way, the man Luke refers to as Levi is the one we generally call Matthew. Levi is the Hebrew name; Matthew is the Greek name.
So Jesus issues the same invitation to Levi, or Matthew, as He did to the fishermen: Follow Me. And just like Simon, Andrew, James, and John, Matthew also left everything behind to become a disciple of Christ.
But then Matthew decided to celebrate. He threw a big party for Jesus and his fellow disciples, and he invited many of his friends to come too. Now many of Matthew’s friends were also his former co-workers: fellow tax collectors. In the times of our scripture, tax collectors worked for Rome, extracting as much as possible from the Empire’s subjects. These were almost always Jews, taking money and goods from their fellow Jews. Many of these took more than Rome required, pocketing as much as they could get away with and becoming well-to-do by basically stealing from their fellow countrymen, their neighbors, even their own relatives. We might not care much for the IRS and Revenue agents, but tax collectors in Jesus’ day were literally hated and considered great sinners by the Jews.
So here’s Jesus and His followers enjoying this great feast in the company of some of the most despised people in the land. Again, this is just as Jesus is getting His ministry started, but already here come the Pharisees and their scribes trying to make trouble for the Lord.
“Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”, they ask the disciples. “Don’t you realize this puts you in the same light as these sinners, just by associating with them?”
The Pharisees may have tried to put the disciples on the spot, but Jesus answered. He communicated clearly and succinctly, leaving no room for misunderstanding.
“Those who are well have no need for a doctor. Only those who are sick require a physician. The same goes for Me. The righteous have what they require. And I’m not here for those who think they already have all they need. I came for sinners just like these you so unkindly make note of. I came to call them to repentance.”
Jesus came to this world seeking sinners. And not just tax collectors. A little earlier in chapter 5 of Luke’s account, Jesus directed those fishermen I mentioned a moment ago to cast out their nets, and they brought in a load of fish so great it threatened to sink their boats. Listen to how one of them reacted in verse 8…
Because his wife had the flu, her husband attended a Sunday worship service without her. When he returned home, she asked for a recap.
Wife: “How was the service this morning?”
Husband: “Good.”
Wife: “And the special music?”
Husband: “Good.”
Wife: “Attendance is sometimes low this time of year; how was the turnout?”
Husband: “Good.”
Wife: “What was the sermon topic?”
Husband: “The importance of good communication.”
How many of you ladies can relate to that little story? How many of your husbands communicate in much the same manner as this one? “How was work today, dear?” “Ok.” “Anything interesting happen?” “Nope.” Of course, you can substitute “work” for “school” and “husband” for “teenager” and the conversation would be pretty much the same.
Effective communication is often a problem among us humans. But not for Jesus. If He thought we would not be able to understand His message in plain ordinary speech, He would paint a word picture for us using parables. But He is pretty clear in today’s scripture, isn’t He? “Follow Me”, He tells the tax collector, sitting in his booth.
By the way, the man Luke refers to as Levi is the one we generally call Matthew. Levi is the Hebrew name; Matthew is the Greek name.
So Jesus issues the same invitation to Levi, or Matthew, as He did to the fishermen: Follow Me. And just like Simon, Andrew, James, and John, Matthew also left everything behind to become a disciple of Christ.
But then Matthew decided to celebrate. He threw a big party for Jesus and his fellow disciples, and he invited many of his friends to come too. Now many of Matthew’s friends were also his former co-workers: fellow tax collectors. In the times of our scripture, tax collectors worked for Rome, extracting as much as possible from the Empire’s subjects. These were almost always Jews, taking money and goods from their fellow Jews. Many of these took more than Rome required, pocketing as much as they could get away with and becoming well-to-do by basically stealing from their fellow countrymen, their neighbors, even their own relatives. We might not care much for the IRS and Revenue agents, but tax collectors in Jesus’ day were literally hated and considered great sinners by the Jews.
So here’s Jesus and His followers enjoying this great feast in the company of some of the most despised people in the land. Again, this is just as Jesus is getting His ministry started, but already here come the Pharisees and their scribes trying to make trouble for the Lord.
“Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”, they ask the disciples. “Don’t you realize this puts you in the same light as these sinners, just by associating with them?”
The Pharisees may have tried to put the disciples on the spot, but Jesus answered. He communicated clearly and succinctly, leaving no room for misunderstanding.
“Those who are well have no need for a doctor. Only those who are sick require a physician. The same goes for Me. The righteous have what they require. And I’m not here for those who think they already have all they need. I came for sinners just like these you so unkindly make note of. I came to call them to repentance.”
Jesus came to this world seeking sinners. And not just tax collectors. A little earlier in chapter 5 of Luke’s account, Jesus directed those fishermen I mentioned a moment ago to cast out their nets, and they brought in a load of fish so great it threatened to sink their boats. Listen to how one of them reacted in verse 8…
8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!”
--Luke 5:8 (NKJV)
Peter, the one who would become the very foundation of our Lord’s church, recognized and acknowledged the fact that he was a sinner, unworthy of anything Jesus might offer, unworthy even of the Master’s presence. “Leave me, Jesus. I’m not even fit to be around, for I am a sinner.”
But Jesus calmly and quietly proved the point He would make later to the Pharisees. Listen to our Lord’s response, in the last part of verse 10…
Bring the Good News to those who most need to hear it! Proclaim the peace of God. Share the Gospel. And our God who reigns will see us as beautiful.
We’re already sinners, commanded by our Lord and Master to repent. Let’s accept Jesus’ invitation and also be His disciples. We have nothing to fear, for our Lord is with us. He came for us.
Amen.
Let us pray… Dearest Jesus, we know none of us are perfect. We know we have our faults and don’t always act and think in ways that our Father in heaven would see as right or righteous. We thank You so much, our Christ, for sacrificing all so that we might be able to stand before our Father someday, washed clean by Your precious blood, spilled for us. We are so grateful, O God our Father, for Your great grace that would forgive us for Your Son’s sake. We are unworthy - we are undeserving, of Your great love.
Heavenly Father, Your Son calls us to repent, to turn our backs completely on our sins and commit them no more. Sometimes Father, it is so difficult to fully repent. It is so hard to not keep doing the same thing over and over. We want to do as Jesus asks – we want to completely turn from our sin and sin no more. But while the spirit may be willing, the flesh can be weak. Help us, please Father. Strengthen us, encourage us, so we can fully do as Jesus commands.
Hear us now, O Lord, as we speak from our hearts our vow of repentance, and as we listen for Your reply…
Lord Jesus, You came into this world not to visit the well, but to heal the sick. You came not to warn the righteous, but to call sinners to repentance. We try to be righteous, Lord. We try to make and keep our hearts right with God. But sometimes we fail and sometimes we sin. We know You are still with us, dear Jesus. Please help us repent of our sinful ways. Heal the brokenness of our spirit and make us whole. In Your most blessed name, Christ Jesus we pray. Amen.
But Jesus calmly and quietly proved the point He would make later to the Pharisees. Listen to our Lord’s response, in the last part of verse 10…
10 ... And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.”
--Luke 5:10b (NKJV)
“Simon,” Jesus says, “don’t worry about being a sinner. It is for you that I came. I can use you. I will use you. You will no longer catch fish for a living. From now on, you will catch men for Me.”
Disciples and sinners. Jesus came to make disciples and to seek out sinners. Which are we? I believe most of us are both, just like Peter. We were born into a fallen world and inherited the sin of Adam. And if we’re completely honest with ourselves, we, like Peter, can acknowledge that our sinful ways didn’t stop there. Even now, we struggle with sin, with temptation. Some of us more than others. Even if it’s just a little sin, like taking pride in some personal accomplishment rather than acknowledging God as the source of all our abilities and resources.
But just because we may be a sinner, doesn’t mean we can’t still be a disciple of Christ. Jesus chose Peter to be a disciple, and the rock upon which He would build His church, knowing full well that Peter was a sinner. Jesus chose Matthew, a sinner, and dined with him and other sinners. Jesus chose Andrew and James and John and all the rest, even though they all sinned in the eyes of God. He made them His disciples and used them to start His church and advance His Father’s kingdom.
Are you a sinner? Will you be a disciple? Our Congregational reading this morning could just as easily be called a prayer of discipleship.
Jesus has chosen you as one of His own. If you are here this morning, or if you’re listening to this message over the internet or reading the manuscript, then Jesus has chosen you to be one of His disciples. Will you answer His invitation to follow Him? What will you give up to do so?
He really doesn’t ask much, just that you believe in Him as the Son of the one true God and that you repent of your sins, that you turn from your sin and not go back. Remember: that’s why He came, to call sinners to repentance. To call us as disciples, to call us to repent.
So let’s say we answer that call. Are we willing to step out and catch men for Him, or are we afraid? We walk through this world every day, even Sunday after we’ve spent time here worshiping our God and our Lord Jesus. Every day we have opportunities to interact with other sinners who need to hear the call of Jesus, who desperately need to receive the Good News He offers. Will we share it?
Let me provide a little extra incentive. In Isaiah chapter 52, verse 7, the prophets tells us…
Disciples and sinners. Jesus came to make disciples and to seek out sinners. Which are we? I believe most of us are both, just like Peter. We were born into a fallen world and inherited the sin of Adam. And if we’re completely honest with ourselves, we, like Peter, can acknowledge that our sinful ways didn’t stop there. Even now, we struggle with sin, with temptation. Some of us more than others. Even if it’s just a little sin, like taking pride in some personal accomplishment rather than acknowledging God as the source of all our abilities and resources.
But just because we may be a sinner, doesn’t mean we can’t still be a disciple of Christ. Jesus chose Peter to be a disciple, and the rock upon which He would build His church, knowing full well that Peter was a sinner. Jesus chose Matthew, a sinner, and dined with him and other sinners. Jesus chose Andrew and James and John and all the rest, even though they all sinned in the eyes of God. He made them His disciples and used them to start His church and advance His Father’s kingdom.
Are you a sinner? Will you be a disciple? Our Congregational reading this morning could just as easily be called a prayer of discipleship.
Jesus has chosen you as one of His own. If you are here this morning, or if you’re listening to this message over the internet or reading the manuscript, then Jesus has chosen you to be one of His disciples. Will you answer His invitation to follow Him? What will you give up to do so?
He really doesn’t ask much, just that you believe in Him as the Son of the one true God and that you repent of your sins, that you turn from your sin and not go back. Remember: that’s why He came, to call sinners to repentance. To call us as disciples, to call us to repent.
So let’s say we answer that call. Are we willing to step out and catch men for Him, or are we afraid? We walk through this world every day, even Sunday after we’ve spent time here worshiping our God and our Lord Jesus. Every day we have opportunities to interact with other sinners who need to hear the call of Jesus, who desperately need to receive the Good News He offers. Will we share it?
Let me provide a little extra incentive. In Isaiah chapter 52, verse 7, the prophets tells us…
7 How beautiful upon the mountains
Are the feet of him who brings good news,
Who proclaims peace,
Who brings glad tidings of good things,
Who proclaims salvation,
Who says to Zion,
“Your God reigns!”
--Isaiah 52:7 (NKJV)
We’re already sinners, commanded by our Lord and Master to repent. Let’s accept Jesus’ invitation and also be His disciples. We have nothing to fear, for our Lord is with us. He came for us.
Amen.
Let us pray… Dearest Jesus, we know none of us are perfect. We know we have our faults and don’t always act and think in ways that our Father in heaven would see as right or righteous. We thank You so much, our Christ, for sacrificing all so that we might be able to stand before our Father someday, washed clean by Your precious blood, spilled for us. We are so grateful, O God our Father, for Your great grace that would forgive us for Your Son’s sake. We are unworthy - we are undeserving, of Your great love.
Heavenly Father, Your Son calls us to repent, to turn our backs completely on our sins and commit them no more. Sometimes Father, it is so difficult to fully repent. It is so hard to not keep doing the same thing over and over. We want to do as Jesus asks – we want to completely turn from our sin and sin no more. But while the spirit may be willing, the flesh can be weak. Help us, please Father. Strengthen us, encourage us, so we can fully do as Jesus commands.
Hear us now, O Lord, as we speak from our hearts our vow of repentance, and as we listen for Your reply…
Lord Jesus, You came into this world not to visit the well, but to heal the sick. You came not to warn the righteous, but to call sinners to repentance. We try to be righteous, Lord. We try to make and keep our hearts right with God. But sometimes we fail and sometimes we sin. We know You are still with us, dear Jesus. Please help us repent of our sinful ways. Heal the brokenness of our spirit and make us whole. In Your most blessed name, Christ Jesus we pray. Amen.
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