Three Responses to Jesus’ Call

“I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:32

In those days, and today, there are three responses to Jesus.

“I am too good to need repentance.” A Pharisee once prayed, “God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector” (Luke 18:11).

Let’s assume that this man was living a good moral life. Are you sure that you have nothing to repent of? Nothing at all? Does your conscience never trouble you? Are you sure you’ve loved God with all your heart? Have you really loved your neighbor as yourself?

Stop kidding yourself. “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). This is the reason why Jesus came into the world: He came to call sinners. And He says, “I have not come to call the righteous.” So, if you keep insisting on your own righteousness, Jesus has nothing to offer you.

“I am too bad to find repentance.” It is easy to get the idea that Jesus is looking for a certain kind of person with a good track record. But when Jesus saw Levi sitting at his tax booth, He said, “Follow me.” Jesus came to call sinners. Aren’t you glad? If He came to call the righteous, no one would ever be called. And if no one were called, no one would ever follow. And if no one followed, no one would ever be changed.

“I will follow Jesus and pursue repentance.” Jesus came to call sinners, and that means He came to call you. Put your finger on the word sinners and say, “This means Jesus calls me!” He came into the world to bring grace for you. He came so that change would be possible for you.

Change happens in the company of Jesus, so follow Him and trust yourself to Him. Then you will have the joy of discovering what He can do with your life.

Which of these responses is most like yours? How so?