“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
- 6-4 BC – 30 or 33 AD
- From Judea (present-day Israel/Palestine)
- Religious leader and evangelist
- Founder of Christianity, who had a major impact on religions and cultures around the world
Quote
“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
Explanation
This quote from Jesus highlights his mission to offer healing and redemption to those in need. When Jesus says, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick,” he uses a metaphor to explain his purpose on Earth. Just as a doctor is needed by the sick, Jesus’ presence is meant for those who are spiritually “sick”—those who are in need of forgiveness, guidance, and transformation. The second part, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance,” emphasizes that Jesus’ purpose was not to affirm those who already considered themselves righteous, but to offer forgiveness and a path to redemption to those who acknowledge their flaws and sins. The call to “repentance” is an invitation to change one’s life and align with God’s will.
Historically, this statement is found in the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus is dining with tax collectors and sinners, much to the dismay of the Pharisees, who were critical of Jesus associating with those they deemed unworthy. Jesus’ words challenge the idea of righteousness that is based on external behavior and highlight the importance of humility, repentance, and the need for spiritual healing. By saying he has come for the sinners, Jesus emphasizes the inclusivity of God’s grace and the opportunity for all people, regardless of their past, to turn towards God.
In modern contexts, this quote speaks to the idea of grace and transformation. It reminds us that everyone, regardless of their past mistakes or current struggles, can find forgiveness and healing through faith. In times of personal failure or social stigma, this message encourages individuals to seek spiritual renewal, knowing that no one is beyond the reach of redemption. For example, someone feeling alienated due to past actions might find comfort in the idea that Jesus came specifically for those who are in need of healing and change, offering a path toward repentance and a new life.
