Sister B, who is in her 90’s, hasn’t been to the doctor since 1978. The first time I heard this, I was speechless. How in the whirl? She is a godly, sweetheart of a lady — at church whenever the doors open. Once at a women’s ministry get-together, someone commented that Sister B wasn’t at the gathering. We knew she hadn’t heard about it (I mean, we never even thought that she might be sick.), or she would be seated front and center. Actively taking notes and nodding her head in a silent amen.

As I thought about Sister B, her story made me think about the time Jesus talked about sick folks needing a doctor in the book of Luke. I know. How my mind makes connections even astonishes me sometimes, so you are in good company.

Jesus called Levi (Matthew) to follow Him, and Levi walked away from his tax collector booth. Levi had a classic take-this-job-and-shove-it moment.

Later he held a banquet in his home with Jesus as the guest of honor. The Pharisees and other teachers of the law were watching. If they could have planted a bug in Jesus’ sandal to track him, they would have. Good grief.

When the religious teachers complained about Jesus’ choice of dinner mates, He made a statement that is a Perspective Power Point for us.

Jesus answered them, ‘Healthy people don’t need a doctor — sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.’

Luke 5:31-32 (NLT)

Y’all, we are all in God’s grace hospital.

Some of us may be sicker than others, but none of us has it all together. That’s why we need a Savior and a hefty dose of His grace and mercy each day. If you are waiting for the day you will live mess-up free, you gonna be waiting for a long time.

Jesus had you on His mind when He was obedient to God’s plan for His life. He realizes we need Him as much today as we did yesterday. Grace drew us to Jesus initially, and grace is His ongoing willingness to walk with us daily.

Jesus didn’t come because we have it all together. He came because we never will.

Heavenly Father, Your grace offered to me so willingly humbles my heart. Thank you for lovingly caring for me. The assurance You give in Hebrews 4:15-16 that You understand my weakness comforts and empowers me with confidence that I can come boldly before Your throne of grace and mercy. My heart is forever Yours. I pray in the matchless name of Jesus. Amen.