“Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” Luke 15.1-2
Some people say you will be judged by the company you keep. I don’t know exactly where that saying came from, but it is one hundred percent true. Usually, I’ve heard it in reference to hanging out only with good, quality individuals. Then you yourself will be judged as good and quality.
But Jesus hung out with sinners, and He was the most holy, most righteous, perfect, sinless Lamb of God. How then should we judge Jesus for associating with sinners? Two groups surrounded Jesus: tax collectors and sinners on one side, and Pharisees and teachers of the law on the other—the unholy and the “holy.” Yet that perspective of holiness is only the world’s view. God knew that everyone in both groups was a sinner—including those who accused Jesus of associating with sinners.
One group knew they were sinners. The other group was sheltered from the reality of their own sin. Both groups needed saving, but only one realized it. The other believed they were already holy and righteous. They were wealthy, well-dressed, and highly educated, yet lost in legalism and full of self-righteousness. Their very accusation against Jesus was an indictment of their own spiritual state.
Aren’t we glad that Jesus welcomes sinners and eats with them? Aren’t you glad that we have a seat at the table and are not excluded because of our sin? Even though Jesus welcomes sinners, He does not accept our sin. How could He? He who is holy, set apart, and perfect meets with us so that we might turn from our sin and find healing, wholeness, and redemption in His name.
We are wrapping up a mission trip this week to Costa Rica with Revive. We have walked with the Lord. We have enjoyed His favor, felt His presence, and been blessed by His grace. Jesus was with us by the power of the Holy Spirit on this trip—enabling us, empowering us, and loving us—so that we might be His hands and feet in a world filled with sinners and help others know and experience His salvation.
Thanks be to God for a great week and for a God who comes to sinful people in order that we might be made whole.
“O Lord God, you are good and loving. Thank you, Lord, for loving us. Even when we fall away from you, you restore us completely. Come now, Holy Spirit, fill us with your power and love. Help us be all that you have called and created us to be. For you are good, and your love endures forever.” Amen.