Jesus' offer of hope to sinners; the Pharisees' approach offered hope only to the righteous. The fundamental conflict between Jesus and the Pharisees wasn't about specific laws but rather about who deserved hope and salvation.

Jesus encounters Levi (Matthew), a tax collector despised for his perceived betrayal and exploitation of fellow Jews. Despite this, Jesus calls Levi to follow him, and Levi immediately leaves his job to do so. Levi's immediate and unquestioning response highlights the compelling nature of Jesus' call.

Levi then hosts a gathering at his home with other tax collectors and sinners, causing the Pharisees to criticize Jesus for associating with such people. Jesus responds by saying that he came not for the righteous but for sinners, comparing his role to that of a doctor who is needed by the sick, not the healthy.

The Pharisees' refusal to see their own sinfulness and need for Jesus' message is likened to patients denying a critical diagnosis. In contrast, sinners who acknowledge their brokenness find hope and salvation in Jesus.

Tim emphasizes that Jesus' call to follow him extends to all sinners, and that righteousness is found not in self-perceived purity but in trusting in Jesus. It encourages believers to embrace their identity as sinners redeemed by Christ, who offers true hope and reconciliation with God.

This Sunday sermon, based on Mark 2 verses 13-17, was preached at Grace of God Lutheran Church on June 9,2024. This sermon is preached by Pastor Timothy J. Walsh, a member of WELS (Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod). Scripture selections come from the New International Version.

Our services are at 9:30am every Sunday morning, at our campus in Dix Hills on Long Island. Visit our website for more information, at www.graceofgod.church

Intro Music "On the Way" by Vlad Gluschenko https://soundcloud.com/vgl9
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0

Outro Music "Divenire" by Ludovico Einaudi
copyright (℗) by: Ludovico Einaudi (in 2006)

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Intro music is “On The Way” by Vlad Gluschenko, at soundcloud.com/vgl9.