Did Jesus Come for You?
“But when he heard it, he said, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means: “I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.” For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.’” – Matthew 9:12-13
Imagine a new dentist opened an office in your neighborhood and to promote the new business, the dentist offers free root canals for anyone who makes an appointment for one week. If you do not think that you need a root canal, then the offer will not sound appealing. The fact is that no matter how good the dentist and the offer are, you must be aware that you have a problem – in this case a very bad cavity – or you will not accept the free offer.
The same can be said about our spiritual condition. The Bible continually speaks of Jesus bearing the sins of others (Isaiah 53:5), taking the wrath of God for sins He did not commit (Hebrews 2:17), and being delivered for others’ sins and their justification (Romans 4:25). In other words, Jesus came offering a gift of salvation to sinners who repent. Anyone who knows that he or she is a sinner will run quickly to Jesus to repent and receive His gift. But for anyone who does not think they have a sin problem, they will never come to Jesus because they believe they do not need what He offers.
During Jesus’ ministry, He was often criticized by the religious leaders, the Pharisees, because He associated with sinners. They believed they were righteous and could face God on their own merits. Jesus said He came for the sick, and the truth is that we are all sick. We all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23) and anyone who says they have no sin makes God a liar (1 John 1:10).
If you have admitted your sins, then you have been justified by God’s free grace. Take this time now to thank God again for drawing you to Him and forgiving your sins. If you have not yet come to Jesus in repentance, admitting you are a sinner deserving of God’s eternal judgement, won’t you come to Him now.
Prayer of the day:
Dear heavenly Father,
Thank you for sending Jesus Christ your Son into the world to bear the judgement we deserve. If Jesus did not come to the world for sinners, then we would have no hope. We are so thankful that He willingly offered Himself as a sacrifice for our sins and received the judgment that we deserve. Help us to never take our salvation for granted and to be bold to tell others about Him. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!
