MARK ii. 16. “And when the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eat
with publicans and sinners, they said unto His disciples, How
is it that He eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners? ”
THE occasion of this question was the presence of Jesus at
the farewell feast of Levi. This question was asked partly
in ignorance and partly in ill-will. Our Lord would not
leave to His simple and timid disciples the task of answer-
ing the critics. First, He rebuked with stern irony the
self-righteousness of the questioners, and then He ex-
plains.
I. The answer to the question of the scribes and Pharisees
sets forth the glory of our divine Saviour.
“The Friend of sinners” is one of the most glorious
titles of our Lord. God’s condescensions reveal His glory
more completely than His magnificence.
1. The glory of His work “To call sinners to repen-
tance.”
2. The glory of His character. “Which of you con-
vinceth Me of sin? ”
II. The answer to this question is a comment on the
action and history of the Church of Christ.
Of her, too, this complaint has been made, age after age,
by contemporary Pharisaism. Like her Lord, the Church
of Christ has entered into the life of sinful humanity to
purify and elevate it. She may not cease to eat and drink
with publicans and sinners.
III. These words are not without suggestiveness as to
the duty and conduct of private Christians. In consorting
with those who openly deny the truth of religion, or who
live in flagrant violation of its precepts, there are two
dangers to be guarded against:—
1. We must keep clear of Pharisaism, that rank weed
which so soon springs up in the souls of believers.
2. We must not voluntarily expose our souls to risks
which are palpable and overwhelming when no good can
be done for the souls of others.
Let us endeavour when we are thrown with others, be
they who they may, to think of our Lord at Matthew’s
feast, and pray Him for His gracious help that we too,
sinners though we be, may speak a word in season to him
that is weary.
Henry Parry Liddon, D.C.L.