Mark 2:17

When Jesus heard [it], he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

When {G2532} Jesus {G2424} heard {G191} it, he saith {G3004} unto them {G846}, They that are whole {G2480} have {G2192} no {G3756} need {G5532} of the physician {G2395}, but {G235} they that are {G2192} sick {G2560}: I came {G2064} not {G3756} to call {G2564} the righteous {G1342}, but {G235} sinners {G268} to {G1519} repentance {G3341}.

But, hearing the question, Yeshua answered them, "The ones who need a doctor aren't the healthy but the sick. I didn't come to call the `righteous' but sinners!"

On hearing this, Jesus told them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

And when Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of a physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.

Mark 2:17 captures a pivotal statement from Jesus, revealing the core purpose of His earthly ministry. This verse directly addresses the criticism leveled against Him by the religious elite of His day for associating with those considered morally unclean.

Context of Mark 2:17

This powerful declaration by Jesus follows a significant event: His calling of Levi (also known as Matthew), a tax collector, to be His disciple. Immediately after, Jesus dined at Levi's house, where many tax collectors and "sinners" were also present (Mark 2:15). The scribes and Pharisees, witnessing this, questioned Jesus' disciples, asking, "How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners?" (Mark 2:16). Jesus' response in Mark 2:17 is a direct, profound answer to their self-righteous indignation, clarifying His mission and challenging their assumptions about who truly needs God.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Jesus as the Divine Physician: The analogy of a physician highlights Jesus' role as the healer of spiritual ailments. Just as a doctor is needed by the physically ill, Jesus came to heal those suffering from the disease of sin. This underscores His compassionate nature and His power to restore.
  • The Call to the Spiritually Sick: Jesus explicitly states His mission is not for those who perceive themselves as "whole" or "righteous." This refers to the self-righteous, particularly the Pharisees, who believed their strict adherence to the Law made them acceptable to God and in no need of repentance. In contrast, Jesus came for those who recognized their spiritual sickness and need for God's grace.
  • Repentance as the Goal: The phrase "I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance" is crucial. The Greek word for repentance, metanoia, signifies a fundamental change of mind, a turning away from sin and towards God. It's not merely regret, but a transformative shift in direction and purpose. Jesus' mission is to invite individuals to this life-altering change, leading to salvation and new life.
  • Divine Compassion for Outcasts: This verse beautifully illustrates Jesus' radical compassion and willingness to engage with those marginalized by society. He broke social and religious barriers to reach those most in need of God's love and forgiveness, setting an example for His followers.

Linguistic Insights

The term "physician" (Greek: iatros) immediately brings to mind healing and restoration. Jesus presents Himself not as a judge condemning the sick, but as a compassionate doctor offering a cure. The word "repentance" (Greek: metanoia) is vital here. It means a change of mind, a turning around, a reorientation of one's life. It implies acknowledging sin and moving towards God, which is precisely what Jesus sought from those He called.

Practical Application

Mark 2:17 holds profound implications for believers today:

  • Humility is Key: It reminds us that true spiritual health begins with the humble admission of our own sinfulness and need for God's grace. Those who refuse to acknowledge their spiritual sickness cannot receive the healing Jesus offers (see John 9:41).
  • The Gospel is for All: This verse affirms that the message of salvation is for everyone, especially those who feel broken, lost, or unworthy. No one is beyond the reach of God's love and call to repentance.
  • Avoid Self-Righteousness: It serves as a strong warning against the dangers of self-righteousness, which can blind us to our own spiritual needs and lead us to judge others. Jesus' example teaches us to extend compassion and grace, just as He did.
  • Embrace Your Mission: As followers of Christ, we are called to embody His mission: reaching out to those who are spiritually sick, sharing the good news, and inviting them to experience the transformative power of repentance and faith.

Ultimately, Mark 2:17 encapsulates Jesus' profound love and His unwavering commitment to bringing spiritual healing and restoration to a fallen world, inviting all to turn to Him for new life.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 9:12

    But when Jesus heard [that], he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.

  • Matthew 9:13

    But go ye and learn what [that] meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

  • Luke 15:7

    I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

  • Luke 5:31

    And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.

  • Luke 5:32

    I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

  • 1 Timothy 1:15

    This [is] a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

  • 1 Timothy 1:16

    Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

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