Message Notes

(I) The acute problem of prejudice

“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. And their scribes and the Pharisees complained against His disciples, saying, “Why do You eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” Luke 5:29, 30

1. Those who were prejudiced against sinners

2. They would judge and condemn anyone who would mix with known sinners

3. Implied doubt cast upon sinners with regard to their salvation

(II) The assuring ministry of the Lord Jesus concerning sinners

1. Assured of the role of the Great Physician to heal

a. As prophesied in Scriptures

“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, because the LORD has anointed Me
to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,” Isa 61:1

b. Jesus was conscious of His role

“Jesus answered and said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.” Luke 5:31

c. He brought about spiritual healing to all

“He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,” Isa 61:1

“Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness–by whose stripes you were healed.” 1 Peter 2:24-25

2. Assured of the Lord’s mission on this earth was for…the spiritual sick

“Jesus answered and said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” Luke 5:31, 32

a. Jesus did not focus on the “well” and “righteous”

b. Jesus’ mission was focused on the needs of the spiritually “sick” and “sinners”

3. Assured of the Lord’s forgiveness to all who are repentant

“I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” Luke 5:32

a. The call was not to the unrepentant.

b. The call of forgiveness is for sinners to repentance…no matter what status we are in

(III) The appropriate response for us is to reach out without prejudice

1. Never be prejudiced against anyone in our outreach

2. Need to be assured of the Lord’s “healing” work

3. No doubts concerning the Lord’s forgiveness to all sinners