In the gospel of Mark, when Jesus calls Levi or Matthew to follow Him (Mark 2:14-17), He does so by calling him from his vocation as tax collector. The fact that Levi was no mere functionary or drudge is seen in the fact that afterwards, Levi is able to throw a banquet, which Jesus attends, as do many others. It says that many publicans and sinners sat down with Jesus. Not only so, but Mark then repeats the fact that there were many, thus emphasizing it. When this happens, we see not only that Jesus is eating with sinners, but with quite a few of them. Quite naturally, Jesus is challenged on the point by the pious. How is it that Jesus eats with disreputable people?
It is worth noting that the disreputable people include categories that the super-pious still find offensive. Jesus associated with prostitutes, tax collectors, and centurions. Conservative Christian stumble over the prostitutes, and “social justice” Christians stumble over the rich tax collectors and the Marine colonels. But however we describe the disreputable, the fact remains that Jesus associated with them. When confronted with what He was doing, He replied that those who are whole don’t need a physician, but those who are sick.
What does this mean? It means that when Jesus sits and eats with sinners, as He is doing right now, He is doing the work of a physician. You are in the role of a patient. So when you show up here with your troubles, you shouldn’t feel apologetic about that. Grieve for your sins, certainly, but don’t grieve over the fact that you have made it to the doctor. When Jesus accepted the invitation to Levi’s house, He knew who was going to be there. When He decided to sit down with the sinners, that decision was well-informed. That is precisely what He had come here to do.
Are you struggling? Are you dealing with a trouble? This meal is for you. Come, and welcome, to Jesus Christ.