“for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10)

This verse stands for the theme of the gospel. Jesus came to save sinners (cf. 1 Timothy 1:15). It provides great comfort to know our Creator is so concerned with our eternity. When Jesus entered flesh, He did so with the vigor and vigilance appropriate for a search and rescue mission. And who better to do so than One who knows both God and man perfectly (cf. 1 Timothy 2:5)?

As intensely as Jesus sought, and still seeks, the gospel shows that His seeking is not the only necessity. The Bible tells us that all have sinned, and need saving by Jesus (cf. Romans 3:19-26). However, Luke records these words of Jesus early in His gospel – “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” (Luke 5:31-32) This was in response to the Pharisees’ bothered question concerning Jesus eating with tax collectors and sinners (v. 30). They thought themselves better than the ones Jesus ate with (cf. Luke 18:9-14). Jesus was not suggesting they were righteous and had no need of Him, but implied what is commonly observed throughout the gospel – one must know they are sick, blind, lame, and spiritually lost to be healed by the great Physician. As long as the Pharisees thought they did not need the forgiveness Jesus offered, they would remain lost in their sins (cf. John 9:39-41). While He seeks, He only finds those who are seeking Him.

“Seek the LORD while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near.” (Isaiah 55:6)

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