Matthew 9:13
“Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices. For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous but those who know they are sinners.”
There is such a difference between “thinking” and “knowing” isn’t there? We are great at saying, “I think” and then we assume that this “thinking” is the same as “knowing” when deep down we know it not to be the case. In this scripture Jesus makes an important observation that would do my Christian culture some good to take note of. Jesus did not come for those that “think” they are righteous…ie, “a good person.” Which takes out nearly all of our society. This is speculation but I suspect that close to 75% of folks in my culture would say that “I think I am a good person.” In fact, we want to protect this claim. If I had a dollar for every time I heard, “hey pastor I’d like you to meet my friends they are really good people” I’d be in good shape. But yet Jesus says He has come for those that KNOW they are sinners. That’s right, not those that suspect or want to put on an image that they are “good” but those that know in their heart of hearts that they are a sinner. I wonder how our churches would change if everyone there stopped thinking they were righteous and knew they were sinners. I wonder if the difference between a follower of Jesus and someone who wasn’t was that the follower knew she was a sinner and the other thought she was righteous. My hunch is that we have to create this false since of reality and image that we are “good” people because we know that deep down we are sinners. My hunch is that when we experience the transforming grace of Jesus in our lives we are able to own who we really are and “know” that we are sinners saved by grace. My question is: do you “think” you are a good person? And if so, do you claim to be a follower of Jesus? And if that answer is yes, then you are deceiving yourself. There is no way to be a follower of Jesus and to “think” you are a good person. The only way to be a follower of Jesus is to “know” you are a sinner saved by His grace.
In case you’re wondering, My name is Chad and I know I’m a sinner. I know that Jesus is the only answer to my brokenness and it is through His grace that He is putting me back together and using me as a force for His mission in the world. BTWàthis is way more exciting then living the lie of “thinking” I’m a good person.
chadpullins@connect2crossroads.com; www.wedesiremore.com
I am a sinner too, only saved by Grace through the blood of Jesus.