April 23 -- "Who Needs The Doctor?"

Today’s Reading: Luke 5:17-39

When do you finally decide to visit a doctor? Often, it’s not until you’ve admitted to yourself that you’re truly unwell. Yet, even then, many hesitate, brushing off symptoms or convincing themselves that everything’s fine. The same struggle exists in the spiritual realm. Jesus, the Great Physician, came to heal the spiritually sick—even those who haven’t yet realized the depths of their illness.

Take today’s passage: Jesus is responding to religious leaders, the Pharisees, who were scandalized by His choice to share meals with tax collectors and sinners. For these Pharisees, the pursuit of ritual purity, adherence to religious tradition, and moral separation defined their concept of holiness. To them, maintaining this outward righteousness meant steering clear of anything—or anyone—they perceived as spiritually contaminating. Tax collectors, regarded as traitors and swindlers, and others with visibly broken lives, were completely off-limits in their view.

But how did Jesus address their objections? With profound wisdom, He remarked, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.” And here lies the twist: the truth is, everyone is afflicted by the sickness of sin. The Pharisees’ problem wasn’t spiritual health—it was their refusal to recognize that they, too, had a desperate need for His healing touch. The lesson: Jesus didn’t come to confirm the self-righteous; He came to call all sinners to repentance. His healing touch is for anyone humble enough to admit, “I need help.”

Let’s face it—we often resist seeing the doctor, don’t we? Spiritually, we do the same. We ignore the signs of our inward struggles: resentment, emptiness, anxiety, bitterness, addiction, pride, selfishness—the list goes on. Instead, we mask the pain with distractions, religious habits, busyness, or even attempts at moral behavior. But self-medication won’t work. Jesus isn’t here for those who insist they’re fine. He’s extending His hands to those willing to confess, “I’m not okay, and I need You.” Whether you feel like you’re barely holding on or don’t yet realize how deep your need runs, Jesus stands ready to heal.

Don’t wait until your soul is in critical condition. Be honest with the Lord today—don’t delay the spiritual check-up your heart so desperately needs. Turn to Jesus, the only One qualified to restore you completely. And as you experience His healing, let compassion grow within you for those who are still in denial. They, too, need the Great Physician, even if they haven’t acknowledged it yet. Indeed, the Great Physician still makes house calls, and in His hands are unmatched kindness and unending grace.

May the Lord open your eyes to see your need and soften your heart to come before Him just as you are. May He heal what’s hidden, mend what’s shattered, and transform your life into a living testimony of His mercy.