Who Needs the Help?

Good Morning, Ekklesia Family

“Who Needs the Help?”

But when Jesus heard that, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.” — Matthew 9:12 (KJV)

I love sinners.

I love God’s people with real struggles, with pasts they’re not afraid to admit. I love walking alongside people who are still figuring life out—because truth be told, that’s all of us. We are works in progress, saved by grace, shaped daily by the hands of Jesus.

What I can’t stand is when “so-called” people of God—modern-day Pharisees—condemn others for doing the Lord’s work simply because they still have flaws. News flash: we all have flaws! Every single one of us is a sinner in need of the same grace we preach about.

At Ekklesia, I pastor what I like to call “the crayon box”—the big one with all the colors and the little sharpener in the back. We’re a mix of people from all walks of life: different races, backgrounds, hang-ups, and faults. Do we hate sin? Absolutely. But we love the sinner. We don’t care if you’re battling addiction, living a lifestyle others reject, or coming out of the streets. Jesus works on the sin—we just love the person.

And that’s exactly what Jesus did. In Matthew 9, He’s eating and fellowshipping with sinners. The Pharisees whisper, “Why does your Master eat with them?” Jesus hears and responds: “Those who are well don’t need a doctor—only those who are sick.”

The truth is, I’m one of the sick ones. I need Him every day. I’m not whole without Him. And I recognize that the people around me—my church family, my neighbors, my friends—are in the same boat.

That’s why the crayon box matters. The church is the box—a safe place where people (the crayons) can gather, not to be judged, but to be appreciated for their uniqueness. And yes, crayons get worn down with use. But the sharpener is there—the Word of God—sharper than any two-edged sword. Jesus sharpens us as we go.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for loving me just as I am. Thank You for the beautiful, imperfect people You’ve placed around me. Help me keep my eyes on You and not be distracted by the Pharisees. Keep us sharp in Your Word, united in Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

LoveUmorethanUknow

Peace and Blessings,

Pastor Stephän