Matthew 9:12  Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.

As a parent, one logs in a fair share of time at urgent care. There is always plenty of time to indulge in your favorite pastime, people-watching. One thing you have probably observed is that everyone in the waiting room is either sick or injured. Unlike a typical physician's office, there are no services for healthy people. Urgent care offers no wellness checks, vaccinations or sports physicals. Those who come are in need. They've come seeking prompt attention, diagnosis, and relief.

In many ways, this is a fitting metaphor for the Sacrament of the Altar. In our verse above, Jesus compares Himself to a physician, saying that it is the sick who need Him rather than the healthy. Repentant sinners are welcome at the altar. They have acknowledged the infection of sin in their lives and have expressed their need for relief in Jesus' name. Their confession is sincere, and their desire for grace is true. However, no place is found for the self-righteous, those who think God's forgiveness is theirs without the blood of Jesus. Pride such as this fools sinners into the fallacy of self-sufficiency. As Luther states, "We look more upon ourselves than upon Christ's Word."

Turning our gaze to the cross forces us to examine our own unworthiness in the light of Jesus' sacrifice. Realizing and confessing that His blood was shed for you and your forgiveness makes you truly worthy of the Sacrament. Our Great Physician is quick to comfort and relieve hearts that believe. No appointment necessary!!
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Helping people live life with Jesus everyday,