When the Pharisees condemned Jesus for associating with sinners, He said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick” (Mt. 9:12). Jesus was not saying that they did not need Him, but they did not realize their need and were not interested in His “medicine.”

Suppose you had a terminal illness and a doctor gave you a prescription that would cure you of the disease, if you follow it exactly. When you tell your mother about the doctor’s prescription and what it will cost, she suggests that you can get a cheaper medication over the counter. If you believe that it is a matter of life and death, will you take your mother’s prescription?

In the spiritual realm many make this kind of substitution. The Great Physician said, “he who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mk. 16:16). Many read that, then talk to their mother who tells them that if they will take their prescription—”accept Christ into your heart by faith only” they will be healed. Or, they may read Christ’s prescription and just feel that it is not necessary to be baptized. Even after having the right prescription in their hands,  they decide to substitute their feelings. They would not dare do such with their physical lives,  but with their souls, it is different!