Welcome the Sinful

Scripture:
Luke 15:1-2, “Now all the tax collectors and the sinners were coming near to Him to listen to Him. Both the Pharisees and the Scribes began to grumble, saying, ‘This man receives sinners and eats with them.’”

Observation:
This man receives sinners and eats with them. Those words tell me how Jesus felt about sinful people. He receives them. He welcomes them with open arms. He doesn’t hold their sin against them. He knows they haven’t been good, but it doesn’t matter because He sees past what they are to what they can be by His grace. He not only receives and welcomes them, but He eats with them; he hangs out with them. You get the sense that Jesus enjoys their company. He pursues a relationship with them. Some people didn’t get it. They grumbled and complained. Hanging out with sinners didn’t fit their religious mold. In their mind “those people” were to be avoided at all cost. They would never dream of hanging out with and starting a friendship with a tax collector or sinner. I’m thankful that Jesus welcomes sinners. Without it there would be no story of Noah — a drunk; Abraham — a liar; David — an adulterer and murderer; no redemption of Rahab — the prostitute; no second chances for Peter — the denier or Thomas — the doubter or Paul — the Christian killer…. And no hope for me.

Application:
I need to develop the attitude and love of Jesus. More often than not I spend my time with those who are already on the right path. Nothing wrong with having Christian friends and hanging out with people who pursue God — God wants my closest friends to be believers who live for Him. But Jesus’ example tells me I need to find some sinners to spend time with too. I have got to break out of the comfort zone of my “holy huddle” and start mixing it up with people who find themselves in “left field” spiritually — living in sin, having a bad reputation, but open to God. I want to and need to have a positive influence with and a positive relationship with people who are open to and seeking spiritual truth.

Prayer:
Lord, would you grow this part of me? I don’t mind hanging out with the tax collectors and sinners of my day — at least I don’t think I do. Would you grant me grace to see them like you do? Give me strength to influence them without compromising my own life. Put them in my path, let me recognize who it is that you are drawing and working in already. Grant me love; grant me time; grant me words to say; grant me favor. Thank you for welcoming and forgiving a sinner like me. May the hope I have be the hope I give to those who need you today.

— Chip Henderson, senior pastor