Luke 5:31
Verse
Context
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- John Gill
- Tyndale
John Gill Bible Commentary
And Jesus answering, said unto them,.... Knowing that they aimed at him; though, according to this evangelist, they only mentioned his disciples, however, he takes up the cause, and vindicates both himself and them, by observing to them the following proverb; they that are whole need not a physician, but they that are sick: suggesting hereby, that as such who are in good health, who are free from all diseases, wounds, bruises, and putrefying sores, stand in no need of the advice and assistance of a physician, or surgeon, but such who have either distempers or sores on their bodies; so they, the Scribes and Pharisees, who, in their own opinion, were free from the disease of sin, original and actual, and touching the righteousness of the law, were blameless, stood not in any need of him, the physician, who came to cure the maladies of the souls, as well as of the bodies of men; but such persons, who not only are sick with sin, but sick of it, who are sensible of it, and desire healing: and therefore this was the reason of his conduct, why he conversed with sinners, and not with the Scribes and Pharisees; his business, as a physician, lying among the one, and not the other; See Gill on Mat 9:12. See Gill on Mar 2:17.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:31-32 Jesus responded that, like a doctor, his mission was to work with sick people, not the healthy. Jesus was not called to minister to self-righteous people, but to those who recognized their spiritual need for God’s grace and healing.
Luke 5:31
Jesus Calls Levi
30But the Pharisees and their scribes complained to Jesus’ disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”31Jesus answered, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.32I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Do You Understand Your Situation
By Robin McKeown90327:06SituationJER 29:13LUK 5:31LUK 7:34ACT 8:26ACT 8:29ROM 3:231TI 1:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that the message of the Gospel is for everyone, regardless of their race, religious background, or geographic location. He highlights three remarkable conversions from the book of Acts, which represent the three lines of the Sons of Noah, to illustrate God's reach to the entire world. The preacher emphasizes the importance of being saved and shares his personal experience of needing the Savior. He also discusses the role of a servant of God in carrying the Gospel to people and encourages the audience to seek God with all their hearts.
The First Step Towards Heaven
By Thomas Brooks0Sin and RedemptionAcknowledging Our Need for GodISA 53:6MAT 9:12LUK 5:31ROM 3:23EPH 2:3Thomas Brooks emphasizes that recognizing one's own sinfulness and wretchedness is essential for true godliness. He asserts that before one can seek the mercy of God, they must first acknowledge their dire state as children of wrath and enemies of God. The realization of being near to hell is the first step towards heaven, as it compels individuals to seek the physician of souls, Jesus Christ. Without this awareness of their spiritual wounds and diseases, people will not value or desire the healing that Christ offers. Brooks calls for a deep self-examination to understand one's need for divine mercy.
The Characters of the Healthy and Sick, in a Spiritual Sense, Considered and Contrasted
By Samuel Davies0MAT 9:12MRK 2:17LUK 5:31LUK 19:10JAS 5:16Samuel Davies preaches about the importance of recognizing our spiritual sickness and the need for Jesus Christ as the divine Physician to heal our souls. He contrasts the attitudes of those who are spiritually healthy, yet unaware of their need for a Savior, with those who are spiritually sick, deeply aware of their sinfulness and eager for healing. Davies emphasizes the necessity of being like the sick souls who eagerly seek Jesus, submit to His prescriptions, and diligently use the means of grace for their recovery, contrasting them with the healthy-hearted sinners who neglect the Physician and remain in their spiritual pride and indifference.
Not Your Sacrifice but Compassion
By Erlo Stegen0MercyCompassionMAT 9:13LUK 5:31Erlo Stegen emphasizes that God desires mercy and compassion over mere sacrifices, as illustrated by Jesus' interactions with sinners and the Pharisees. He highlights Matthew's act of inviting his fellow tax collectors to a feast, demonstrating the importance of reaching out to those in need of healing. Stegen contrasts the compassion of Jesus with the critical nature of the Pharisees, urging believers to embody a heart of compassion rather than judgment. He reminds us that true faith leads to action and that we must be sensitive to the needs of others, reflecting God's love in our interactions. Ultimately, the sermon calls for self-examination regarding our own compassion and mercy towards others.
The Ministry of Forgiveness
By Harris Franklin Rall0MAT 5:3MAT 9:12MAT 22:9MAT 25:40LUK 5:31LUK 7:47LUK 14:13LUK 18:14LUK 19:10Harris Franklin Rall preaches about Jesus' compassionate ministry towards sinners, including tax collectors and immoral individuals, who were often marginalized and despised by society. Jesus' focus was on forgiveness, healing, and restoring hope to those who were considered outcasts. He challenged the religious leaders of the time by showing that God's love extends to all, regardless of their past disobedience or societal status. Jesus' ministry to the poor and suffering laid the foundation for Christian education, philanthropy, and missions, emphasizing the importance of serving others with humility and compassion.
The Soul's Malady and Cure
By Thomas Watson0PSA 147:3ISA 53:4ISA 55:1MAT 9:12LUK 4:18LUK 5:31JHN 17:121TI 1:15HEB 7:251JN 1:7Thomas Watson preaches about the compassionate and skilled Physician, Jesus Christ, who is willing and able to heal sin-sick souls. He emphasizes that Christ came to save sinners, not the righteous, and uses the analogy of Levi's call to follow Jesus to illustrate the immediate response required to follow Christ without hesitation. Watson explains that sin is a soul disease that corrupts every part of the soul, likening it to sickness spreading throughout the body. He highlights the need for humility, fear of sin, and surrender to Christ as the ultimate Healer of our spiritual diseases.
The Poor in Spirit
By Oswald Chambers0PSA 51:17LUK 5:312CO 12:9GAL 2:20JAS 4:7Oswald Chambers preaches about the importance of yielding to Jesus rather than just deciding for Him, emphasizing that true strength lies in recognizing our poverty and inability, as it is through this humility that we enter God's Kingdom. He highlights that the loveliness that pleases God is unconscious and unaffected, and that examining our own actions can lead us to lose touch with the Lord. Chambers urges surrendering our will to God, acknowledging that true freedom and strength come from being captivated by Him and finding our life in His embrace.
The Gracious Welcome
By Horatius Bonar0GraceHealingMAT 17:17LUK 5:31HEB 7:25Horatius Bonar emphasizes the gracious welcome of Christ, who, despite the unbelief of His disciples, commands them to bring the afflicted to Him. He illustrates that no case is too difficult for Jesus, who remains unchanged in His love and power to heal. Bonar highlights that Christ desires personal contact with us, inviting us to come near and to bring others to Him for healing and blessing. The sermon reassures that even in our faithlessness, Jesus is eager to bless and save, demonstrating His omnipotent grace. Ultimately, Bonar calls us to draw near to Christ and share His love with others.
Ii Kings 5:13
By Chuck Smith0GraceHealing from Sin2KI 5:13ISA 1:18EZK 18:30LUK 5:31JHN 3:17ROM 7:18Chuck Smith preaches on the story of Naaman, illustrating how leprosy symbolizes sin, which is incurable by human efforts and progressively fatal. Despite Naaman's honorable status as a captain, he was still a leper, highlighting that no amount of personal achievement can save us from sin. The sermon emphasizes the simplicity of God's grace, as Naaman was initially insulted by the prophet's instructions but ultimately found healing by obeying the command to wash in the Jordan. Smith warns against pride and the tragedy of missing out on salvation due to unwillingness to accept God's simple solution. The message encourages listeners to trust in God's grace and take the step to be cleansed.
The Great Things God Has Done for His People
By William Gadsby02SA 23:5PSA 126:3ISA 55:3LUK 5:31JHN 6:37JHN 17:6ROM 3:19ROM 8:292CO 3:5EPH 1:5HEB 9:221PE 3:18William Gadsby preaches about the great mysteries of salvation that many struggle to comprehend, including God's saving power for even the worst sinners, the method of salvation through God's electing love, and the role of God the Spirit in revealing and maintaining salvation in the hearts of believers. He emphasizes the need for true surrender and acknowledgment of one's sinful state before experiencing God's compassion and love. Gadsby highlights the importance of being part of God's spiritual family, predestined for eternal life, and the necessity of being brought out of spiritual captivity to truly understand and appreciate the great things God has done for His people.
Repentance: An Operating Principle of Your Life
By Paris Reidhead0MRK 1:14LUK 5:31LUK 24:46GAL 2:20REV 3:14Paris Reidhead preaches about the fundamental principle of repentance as a continuous change of mind, will, and intention, emphasizing that repentance is not merely an emotion but a complete change of direction towards God. He highlights the importance of recognizing sin as a rebellion against God's authority and the need for a genuine change of heart and purpose. Reidhead stresses the ongoing necessity of repentance in the life of a Christian, urging believers to maintain zeal and fervor for Christ, and to constantly realign their thoughts and actions with God's will.
- John Gill
- Tyndale
John Gill Bible Commentary
And Jesus answering, said unto them,.... Knowing that they aimed at him; though, according to this evangelist, they only mentioned his disciples, however, he takes up the cause, and vindicates both himself and them, by observing to them the following proverb; they that are whole need not a physician, but they that are sick: suggesting hereby, that as such who are in good health, who are free from all diseases, wounds, bruises, and putrefying sores, stand in no need of the advice and assistance of a physician, or surgeon, but such who have either distempers or sores on their bodies; so they, the Scribes and Pharisees, who, in their own opinion, were free from the disease of sin, original and actual, and touching the righteousness of the law, were blameless, stood not in any need of him, the physician, who came to cure the maladies of the souls, as well as of the bodies of men; but such persons, who not only are sick with sin, but sick of it, who are sensible of it, and desire healing: and therefore this was the reason of his conduct, why he conversed with sinners, and not with the Scribes and Pharisees; his business, as a physician, lying among the one, and not the other; See Gill on Mat 9:12. See Gill on Mar 2:17.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:31-32 Jesus responded that, like a doctor, his mission was to work with sick people, not the healthy. Jesus was not called to minister to self-righteous people, but to those who recognized their spiritual need for God’s grace and healing.