"Calling All Sinners" - Sermon for the First Sunday after Epiphany

Calling All Sinners
Epiphany 1 – Narrative Lectionary 2
January 10, 2016
Grace, Mankato, MN
Mark 2.1-22

… Jesus … said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.”

We are now in the season of Epiphany. The word epiphany means a sudden realization or manifestation of a divine being and both definitions fit with the church season. The images of the Bethlehem star and subsequent light highlight stories of Jesus that reveal something of who he is and what he is doing. The quickened pace of Mark’s storytelling makes this light more like camera flashes than a spotlight. In the first chapter alone, John the Baptist introduces Jesus and baptizes him, after which the devil tempts him. Jesus then calls his first disciples and sets about his ministry of teaching, preaching and healing. As we move into the second chapter, Jesus continues to heal and teach, but under greater scrutiny. Not only is he getting more attention, but his actions and teaching are causing quite a stir.

Jesus not only draws crowds who are amazed at what he says and does, but he also catches the eye of the religious leaders. Now, it is true that Mark, through the religious leaders in particular, wants to show the growing opposition to Jesus which ultimately leads to the cross. But we must avoid the temptation to stereotype the scribes of the Pharisees as the rigid fundamentalists of the day. It is true that they were the keepers of the tradition and called upon people to cherish it. But it is also true that part of that tradition was engaging in the practice of disputation and argument. It would be normal for them to argue points of the law and even entertain new interpretations of the law in certain circumstances.

Even so, Jesus pushes the boundaries when he declares the paralytic man’s sins as forgiven. And when he eats with tax collectors and sinners, he is justifiably called on the Talmudic carpet for his actions. You see, It was unthinkable for an observant Jew to eat with those who were outcast and considered unclean. It’s hard to think of a comparable situation for today. I think of Americans who travel to places like Tanzania and are invited to dinner only to find out that eating dinner means eating with one’s fingers from a common bowl, not knowing where those fingers have been. Maybe a better illustration is going to a soup kitchen and sitting next to someone who hasn’t washed themselves or their clothes for six months and has a lice problem. Whatever the case, in response to the questioning, Jesus says something truly amazing: “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.”

Here’s where my own epiphany came this last week: it occurred to me that Jesus doesn’t eat with tax collectors and sinners in spite of their status as tax collectors and sinners. He eats with them because they are tax collectors and sinners. Do you hear the difference? We tend to think of Jesus as accepting of anyone no matter who they are. That’s true, but it goes deeper. Jesus doesn’t overlook who we are; he accepts us because of who we are. Jesus doesn’t just wave away our brokenness and hurts and pains and say they don’t matter. Instead, Jesus comes to us because of them, meets us in the midst of them, bringing healing and forgiveness.

I think this is an important distinction, particularly in a society that gives us mixed messages. On the one hand, we are told we are all wonderful and we can do anything we want to do. Yet, on the other hand we also told we need stuff to be popular: the right clothes, beer car or electronic devices. And that doesn’t even count the voices in our own heads that tell us we don’t measure up and couldn’t possibly be loved by anyone let along Jesus, voices that have been growing since we were little. My sisters and brothers, wherever you are and whatever situation you find yourself, know that you are exactly who Jesus comes for to bring a word of healing, forgiveness and the healing of your spirit. Calling all sinners! Amen.