October 31, 2010: This Isn’t About You – Jeff Johnsen

The religious are upset that Jesus is hanging out with sinners. Has anything really changed? By Jesus reclining at the table he is doing more than sipping on some wine. He is identifying with these people and their way of life. And these people were the worst kind of people in the minds of the religious. 

Jesus’ response? “They are the ones who need me.” There is a bit of a sting here, because Jesus implies that those who are raising the questions don’t need him. In essence he is telling them, “You have your rules, rituals, and all the religious stuff … you don’t need me.” Irony at its finest.