The self-righteous don't need a doctor...

What is the one greatest thing that I have going for me spiritually?

I know that I am a sinner. I confess that I have messed up each day of my life in some way and that, often, I am unaware of many more sins that I commit.

Like the allegation levied against the blind man by the Pharisees, I was steeped in sin from birth. Unlike the Pharisees, however, I admit it. I believe it, and I recognize that I need forgiveness. This confession is not a weakness but a strength. A sick man can get help only after admitting to himself that he needs to seek it.

"On hearing this, Jesus said, 'It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick'" (Matt 9:12, NIV) (emphasis supplied) .

The Pharisees could not understand why Jesus ate with tax-collectors and sinners because they were self-righteous, convinced in their mastery of the old law. They were so convinced of their own righteousness, attained through their own work and efforts, that they could not see the point in associating with anyone unlike themselves. They could not see the great commission because they were interested in ministering only to those like themselves.

The difference between the Pharisees and the sinners Jesus was eating with was that the sinners were not convinced of their own righteousness. For that reason alone, they could received treatment from the master physician.

How many reading this are proud or think that they know all the answers? How many are too quick to point a fingers at the faults of others rather than pointing a finger at their own sins? Will you point an accusing finger at yourself? If you cannot do that, then you are not prepared to receive all that Christ has to offer for your life.

Yes, we all mistakes. Yes, we all sin. The sooner we all accept this, the sooner Jesus can get to work performing his soul-saving medicine.

None of us are righteous by our own efforts. Only by the blood of Jesus are we made righteous.

"...not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith" (Phil 3:9, ESV).