[sociopath needs]

Of our need for Jesus:

But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” – – Matthew 9:13

Those who are sure that they are righteous can’t be saved because the first step in following Jesus is acknowledging our need and admitting that we don’t have all the answers. For more on “I desire mercy, not sacrifice”, see the chart in Hosea 6.

When he visited Matthew, Jesus hurt his own reputation. Matthew was cheating the people, but Jesus found and changed him.  We should not be afraid to reach out to people who are living in sin – – God’s message [Tanners] can change anyone.

(When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?” On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.  – – Matthew 9:11, 12. The Pharisees constantly tried to trap Jesus, and they thought his association with these “baddies” was the perfect opportunity.  They were more concerned with their own appearance of holiness than with helping people, with criticism than encouragement, with outward respectability than practical help.  But God is concerned for all people, including the sinful and hurting ones.  The Christian life is not a popularity contest!  Following Jesus’ example we should share the gospel with the poor, immoral, lonely, and outcast, not just with the rich, moral, popular, and powerful.)

(Then John’s disciples came and asked him, “How is it that we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” – – Matthew 9:14. John’s disciples fasted (went without food) as a sign of mourning for sin and to prepare for the Messiah’s coming.  Jesus’ disciples did not need to fast because he is the Messiah and was with them!  Jesus did not condemn fasting – – he himself fasted (4:2).  He emphasised that fasting must be done for the right reasons.) [N.B. This is not the desert]

(John the Baptist’s message was harsh, and it focused on law. When people look at God’s law and compare themselves to it, they realise how far they fall short and how badly they need to repent.  Jesus’ message focused on life, the result of turning from sin and turning to him.  John’s disciples had the right start, but they needed to take the next step and trust in Jesus.  Where is your focus – – on law or on Christ?)