But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well
have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. (Mat 9:12 ESV)
I used to teach music, especially piano. There were students I
always looked forward to and those that, well, I didn’t. The difference? A
motivated student versus a motivated parent. Some students came because they
wanted to be there. Others were there because they had to be there…or else. The
self-motivated student came prepared and eager to learn. The student with a
motivated parent was usually not prepared, hadn’t practiced and for me it
seemed a waste of time and parent’s money.
It’s hard to help someone who doesn’t want your help.
As Matthew, the former tax collector, writes about his own
calling and early days with Jesus, he remembers the details of a dinner. Maybe
as the word spread about Matthew’s new vocation, friends and family gathered to
see who this Jesus was. There was a combination of peers and curious seekers
there with Matthew but the religious folks were on spy alert. Why was Jesus
hanging out with that gang? If He’s really who He claims to be, you’d think He
would rather be hanging with us.
Jesus’ response? Only sick people need a doctor. In other words,
“It’s harder to help someone who doesn’t want your help.”
I’m sometimes surprised at the people who say “Yes” to Jesus. I
shouldn’t be, but I am. When you see a nice average family who appears to have
a good marriage and beautiful kids, it’s tempting to think, “Now that’s a
family who would make good Christians.” But it’s often harder to help such a
family see their need of Christ. The well don’t need a physician. Instead,
often the most fruitfulness comes from the “most unlikely to be a Christian”
type.
Why am I telling you this? Don’t write off someone because they
seem far from God. It’s often those who are sick of life, hurt, dysfunctional
or downright mean, who are closest to the kingdom! They are the ones who find
Jesus interesting and who want to hang out with Him.
Like me, you probably have a list of people you are praying for
to receive Christ, to come to Jesus and find life “because they would make
great Christians.” Don’t stop praying. But maybe add a few to that list whom
you think are surely far from the kingdom. There just may be another Matthew
waiting in the wings who is willing to forsake his old life to embrace a new
adventure with Jesus.
Prayer: Father, You don’t look at people the way I do. You look
at the heart. You know those who are the most teachable. Reveal the hearts
around me that are truly sick and are looking for a Savior. [Now, wait for a
moment and see what names or faces the Holy Spirit brings before you. Pray for
them to receive the gospel and turn to Jesus.]
