Matthew 9:10-13

As Jesus was having a meal in Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with Jesus and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” When Jesus heard this he said, “Those who are healthy don’t need a physician, but those who are sick do. Go and learn what this saying means: ‘I want mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Sin is a problem that is taken care of by Christ. Jesus says Himself, "I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance". Christ is ready to deal with the sin in our lives, but so often, it is we who are not ready to let Him deal with it. I think it is this truth that many times creates a false sense of righteousness in our hearts. It is such a danger, because sometimes we don't even realize that we are doing this. Take the elder son in the parable of the lost son (Luke 15:11-31). The elder son cannot support his father's acceptance of the younger son after he squandered his inheritance. An invitation is given to both sons to enter the feast in celebration of the younger's return. The story ends with the elder son outside, and the younger feasting with his father.