“King for Sinners” Mark 2:1-17

An Expositional Sermon
Praise God, Jesus eats and reclines with sinners. Jesus is a friend of sinners. The Pharisees, religious leaders of the time. And look at how they describe what Jesus is doing in verse 16: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” They speak as though they are not sinners, “Ugh, he’s with sinners.” Hello, guys, you’re sinners too! Jesus responds, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” The meaning of the “righteous” and “sinners” get their definition from context of this passage. Jesus isn’t saying that some people are exempt from His authority, or are somehow able to please God on their own by their own good works in obeying God’s law. Jesus’ response doesn’t justify passivity and in-action in seeking to preach the gospel to those who see themselves as morally righteous. People who see themselves as perfect are blind to the reality that they aren’t. Those who feel that they have no need of being saved, will not be saved. Part of how the Lord saves His people is by the fact that they recognize that they are sinners. Sinclair Ferguson wrote on this text, “Mark unveils what lies at the heart of the gospel: men need forgiveness; Jesus gives it. The degree to which you see your own need of that forgiveness is the measure of how clearly you understand the gospel.” (Let’s Study Mark, p. 27) J. C. Ryle similarly commented, “To feel our sins, and know our sickness is the beginning of real Christianity. To be sensible of our corruption and abhor our own transgressions, is the first symptom of spiritual health.” (Expository Thoughts on the Gospels Vol. 1, p. 33) Maybe you’re not sure if you’re a Christian, but you believe in Jesus Christ. Here’s the starting point of being a Christian, forgiveness for your sin. Have you ever felt conviction for your sin? Have you ever felt your unworthiness, and your total depravity before God? This is where following Jesus starts.