He came for the hurting ones
Now it happened, as He was dining in Levi’s house, that many tax collectors and sinners also sat together with Jesus and His disciples; for there were many, and they followed Him. ~ Mark 2:15
Jesus intentionally went after the hurting and lost people of the world. Those were the ones who came to Him for help, even when others had rejected them. Many of these people were overlooked, judged, or pushed aside by religious leaders. Jesus did teach in synagogues, but His heart was always set on reaching people, not gaining position, approval, or recognition.
In today’s scripture reading, Jesus called Levi, also known as Matthew, a tax collector. On the surface, Levi did not appear to be hurting. Tax collectors were often wealthy because they worked for the Romans and collected money from their own people. They were disliked, mistrusted, and labeled as traitors. Yet Jesus saw something deeper. He saw the ache in Matthew’s heart, the loneliness that came with being rejected, and the emptiness that wealth could not fill. Jesus saw a man who needed love, purpose, and restoration.
When Jesus went to Matthew’s home and ate with him and others like him, the Pharisees were offended. They questioned why Jesus would associate with sinners. Jesus responded plainly and powerfully, saying He came for those who knew they needed help, not for those who believed they had everything figured out.
This truth still matters today. The reason Jesus came two thousand years ago is the same reason He still calls people today. He came to save the lost, heal the hurting, and restore broken lives. Maybe there is a place in your life where you feel weary, unseen, or in need of healing. Jesus meets you there. He does not wait for you to clean yourself up. He steps into your space and offers grace, hope, and a new beginning.
Here are practical ways to get started today:
- Acknowledge your need for Jesus, come to Him honestly with your pain, questions, and struggles.
- Spend time with Jesus daily through prayer and Scripture, even if it feels simple or quiet.
- Invite Jesus into the places you feel ashamed of, trusting that His grace brings healing, not condemnation.
- Look for opportunities to extend the same compassion Jesus showed, reach out to someone who feels overlooked or alone.
- Take one step away from an old pattern or habit that keeps you stuck, and replace it with obedience and trust.
Today I want to encourage you to answer the call Jesus is giving you right now. He sees your life, He knows your heart, and He understands your pain. Turn everything over to Him and begin walking in the plans He created you for. This is the best life, one filled with purpose, healing, and transformation. Come to Him today and leave your old ways behind, trusting that He came for you and will make your life count for eternity.
Today’s scripture reading: Mark 2:13-17
13 Then He went out again by the sea; and all the multitude came to Him, and He taught them.
14 As He passed by, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” So he arose and followed Him.
15 Now it happened, as He was dining in Levi’s house, that many tax collectors and sinners also sat together with Jesus and His disciples; for there were many, and they followed Him.
16 And when the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to His disciples, “How is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?”
17 When Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”
Journal:
- Where do I see areas of hurt or emptiness in my life that I need to bring to Jesus
- What might Jesus be inviting me to leave behind so I can follow Him more fully
- Who in my life might need the same compassion and grace that Jesus has shown me
The Daily Dose 