When
Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
Mark 2:17
Mark 2 [15.] He was reclining at the table in his house, and many tax collectors and sinners sat down with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many, and they followed him. The scribes and the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with the sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, “Why is it that he eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?”
Mark 2 [17.] When Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
Mark 2 [18.] John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting, and they came and asked him, “Why do John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples don’t fast?”
Meaning:
The religious leaders had asked why Jesus ate with tax collectors and sinners (Mark 2:15-16). Jesus answers with a simple picture from everyday life. In one sentence He explains His whole mission: He came for those who know they need Him.
- The Physician and the Sick:
"Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick": A doctor who avoided sick people would be failing at his calling. In the same way, Jesus spent time with sinners because they were the very people He came to heal. His presence at Levi’s table was not a compromise of His holiness but an expression of His mission.
- Not the Righteous, but Sinners:
"I came not to call the righteous, but sinners": Jesus is not saying that some people have no sin. Scripture is clear that "all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). His point is that those who think they are righteous will not see their need for a Savior, while those who admit their sin are ready to receive Him.
- To Repentance:
"Sinners to repentance": Jesus welcomes sinners, but He does not leave them as they are. His call is to turn from sin to God. The welcome of grace leads to a changed life, as the apostles later preached: "Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out" (Acts 3:19).
The Significance for Believers
- Admitting Our Need:
The first step to healing is recognizing that we are sick. Jesus’ words invite us to set aside self-righteousness and come to Him honestly.
- Mercy Over Ritual:
In Matthew’s account Jesus adds, "Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice’" (Matthew 9:13), quoting Hosea 6:6. God values a merciful heart more than outward religious performance.
- Reaching the Lost:
"The Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10). Followers of Jesus share His concern for those far from God.
Cross-References:
Matthew 9:12-13: "Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick do. But you go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ for I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." Matthew records Jesus’ fuller answer to the Pharisees.
Hosea 6:6: "For I desire mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings." The prophet’s words that Jesus applies to the Pharisees’ attitude.
Romans 3:23: "for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God" Everyone needs the healing Jesus offers.
Luke 19:10: "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost." Jesus’ mission to sinners stated in another way.
Conclusion: Mark 2:17 is Jesus’ answer to those who criticized Him for eating with sinners. Like a physician who goes to the sick, He came for those who know their need, calling them to repentance and new life. The verse invites us to come to Him honestly and to share His compassion for the lost.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible