Who Needs a Physician?
In Jesus' discourse with the Pharisees, He was addressing their perception that they had no need for Him. The Pharisees believed they were well and, therefore, without the need of a physician. Their belief that their own sacrifices bore fruits of righteousness made them unable to obtain the mercy only available in Jesus. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Rom 3:23 NKJV).
The revelation of their own poverty would have made them able to inherit the kingdom of God (Mt 5:3), but "only with difficulty will a rich person enter" (Mt 19:23 ESV).
Jesus proclaims that His desire is for the sick, for mercy, and for sinners. He desires the weakness of the world so that His strength can find a home and His grace be found sufficient; in this place we find, as Paul did, an overwhelming desire to boast in our infirmities that Christ's power would rest on us (2 Cor 12:9). Our delight in the infirmities of our souls drives us to embrace Jesus, the great physician. And, by His healing touch, we will be made whole.
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