In the last text, we read how Jesus showed love and compassion to people in need. Jesus, with authority, forgave sin and physically healed people. Jesus just asked Levi (a publican or tax collector) to follow him. (Note that many scholars think both Levi and Matthew are one person and one of the twelve apostles.) Levi hosted a party in which Jesus, tax collectors, and possibly gentiles attended. The scribes and Pharisees did not like this at all and questioned Jesus. The Jewish people did not like tax collectors because that profession was known for dishonesty and collaboration with the Roman empire. Gentiles were considered unclean, and sinners not chosen of God as the Israelites were (Deut. 14:2). The scribes and Pharisees wanted to know why Jesus would eat and drink with these types of people. (Luke 5:30)

Jesus answered in Luke 5:31-32, 31 And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. 32 I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Jesus is saying that he came to help the sinners, healing their hearts and saving their souls for eternal life with God rather than eternity in hell. Jesus is showing love and compassion to all who need it, including his chosen apostles. He is trying to teach the Scribes and Pharisees that it is a heart thing. The Pharisees may be upholding the law, but Jesus is saying go deeper. What is in the heart? There is another story of the prodigal son and his brother in Luke 15:11-32 that addresses our heart issues. The prodigal son lived a life of sin, squandered his inheritance, and when he was at his lowest, he humbled himself to his father. His father welcomed him with open arms and a celebration. The prodigal son’s brother had a more subtle sin of the heart. He was upset that he did what was right and worked as his father needed him to while his brother was gallivanting around being wasteful. Why celebrate his brothers return instead of all the hard work he did continually? I think the prodigal son’s brother thought himself better than his brother and jealous of the love his father showed toward the prodigal son. I also think the Scribes and Pharisees thought themselves better than these tax collectors and sinners.

Jesus continues teaching about the importance of his disciples eating when they needed nourishment, even harvesting on the sabbath (which was against Jewish law). Jesus was teaching the importance of supplying the needs of others on the sabbath, even if it is against the rules as it was for Jesus to heal the withered hand of a person on the sabbath. I love Jesus’ question in Luke 6:9, 9 Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? To save a life or to destroy it?

That is the bottom line in most situations. Is it lawful to do good or evil? To save a life or destroy it? So, what about us? With Jesus Christ as our righteousness by faith (Romans 3:22-23), if we believe Jesus is our savior and died for our sins, He already saved our souls. He continues to heal our bodies, hearts, and minds as we continue to seek him. Jesus came for those who have not yet repented. How can we do good, speak life into someone’s needs? Whether it is small things like writing this in the current-day United States or big things we are faced with like the persecutions happening in countries where it is illegal to be a Christian, our actions large or small help or hinder God’s kingdom. Let us leave pondering His word in love, helping rather than hindering, building up people rather than tearing them down.

As I think about the visual artwork I’d like to do in this devotional, I think about the heart. Chris Uphues is a street artist known for painting his signature hearts. You can find his murals throughout the Chicago area through and online searches of course. The inspiration for this devotional came from a Chris Uphues mural in College Park, Florida. While doing an online search for Chris Uphues, I ran across a saying that is so very true I had to include it in my Bible Journal as well. “You can’t stop Love!” Because of his love for us, no law, religious view, or even what may seem right to man could stop Jesus from showing his love, compassion, and mercy.

Let’s ponder His Word and enjoy the journey.