Mark 2:17 Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.

 

The last verse in the 9th Chapter of the Book of Acts simply says that Peter remained in Joppa for an extended period of time after Tabitha (Dorcas) was raised from the dead. And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon the tanner. (Acts 9:43) That wouldn’t seem odd except for the fact that he stayed with a man named Simon who was a tanner. To that we may say, so what?

 

Peter lived with Jesus for more than three years. He watched Jesus minister to the people. He sat under the Teaching of Jesus and he devoted his life to the continuation of Jesus’ Ministry. The fact is, Jesus ministered to everyone. He was no respecter of persons. He never put Himself above anyone, although He absolutely could have done so given the fact that He was the Son of God!

 

Jesus ate with the tax collectors, touched people with leprosy, associated with sinners, ministered to those possessed with demonic spirits, and laid His Hands on people who were dead. All these things were against the Law but Jesus came to fulfill the Law and to proclaim that no one was better than anyone else. Everyone, no matter their sin or malady, was a candidate for the Ministry of Jesus. Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His Disciples. (Matthew 9:10)

 

 

You may be wondering what this has to do with Peter spending days with Simon the tanner in Joppa. Gentiles were considered unclean and anyone who handled dead animals was also considered unclean. Simon the tanner was a Gentile (unclean) and he worked with dead animals (unclean). For Peter to live with Simon the tanner was just not acceptable! However, Peter likened his ministry to that of Jesus who ate with the tax collectors and ministered to people with leprosy and demonic spirits.

 

Of all the people in Joppa, Peter chose Simon the tanner. Not only did Peter visit with Simon the tanner, but he also lived with him! He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. (Acts 10:6) I’m sure the people had many negative things to say to Peter for his choice of lodging, but I’m also sure that the Holy Spirit reminded him of the Words of Jesus when He said Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners. (Mark 2:17)

 

I am reminded of the song we used to sing in Sunday School. I am so glad that Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me. I am so glad that Jesus loves me, Jesus loves even me.  

 

Jesus came to……….turn the tide……….in everyone; with no exceptions.

 

Even me,         Doreen

 

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