Why are Sinners in Church?

Daily Devotional – Saturday, April 29, 2023
When Jesus heard that, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.”
Matthew 9:12 (NKJV)

Imagine yourself at the gate of a hospital. Sick people and their relatives and caregivers keep coming and going. You watch as motor accident victims arrive in an ambulance. They are badly wounded, and medics rush to attend to them.

Why Can’t They Stay at Home?

As you watch, a grown man cries out in pain, demanding to be attended to. Suddenly, someone shouts behind you, “What’s wrong with these people? Why can’t they stay at home and nurse their miseries? A hospital is the wrong place to come seeking healing.”

I guess you would turn to see who this lunatic is who thinks sick people should not come to the hospital for medication. Now, do you know that a similar scenario plays out in our churches every weekend?

Why Do Sinners Come to Church?

Some people within and outside the church ask why sinners are in church. When such individuals scrutinize the church and find leaders and normal members who are far from perfect, they wonder why God allows the imperfect near Him.

This line of thinking is not new. Jesus dealt with it in His day. After He had invited Levi Matthew, a tax collector, to become one of his disciples, Christ took time to eat with some not-so-holy people.

The Sick Need a Physician

The Pharisees got angry and asked Christ’s disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” (Matthew 9:11). In essence, if your teacher is really from God and holy as we expect, why does He associate with tax collectors and other vile sinners?

Jesus gave an interesting answer that summarizes His mission on earth and why He allowed sinners near him. He said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.” (Matthew 9:12).

Why are Sinners in Church?

Well, if you are not surprised to see sick people in hospitals, do not complain when sinners attend church. Sin is sickness, and the sinner’s only hope of healing is to stay with the great Physician, Jesus Christ.

If you feel vile and wretched because of your burden of sin, do not run away from Jesus. Run to Him because He came to seek and to save the lost, like you. If you notice an increase in sinners in church, do not condemn them. They are in the right place, because that is where they will find forgiveness and healing.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, I admit my sinfulness and my helplessness without You. I will remain in Your presences because that is where I find pardon and restoration.