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JESUS' MINISTRY IN GALILEE
Mark 2 v. 13-17 (NLT) *part 2*
Emphasis on v.16,17
Jesus Came For The Sinners
16 But when the teachers of religious law who were Pharisees saw him eating with tax collectors and other sinners, they asked his disciples, "Why does he eat with such scum?"
17 When Jesus heard this, he told them, "Healthy people don't need a doctor— sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners."
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Have we forgotten that we're all sinners? That we all fall short? That not one of us gets it right -all of the time? That without grace, mercy, faith and salvation, we're hopeless? If you've forgotten, you're like the Pharisees.
The self-righteous Pharisees were indignant that Jesus would eat a meal with sinners. But Jesus gladly associated with sinners because He loved them and because He knew that they needed to hear what He had to say. Jesus spent more time with whoever needed or wanted to hear what He had to say-poor, rich, bad, good. We, too must befriend those who need Christ. This is everyone! Not just whom we decide needs Jesus. Everyone we meet needs Jesus, even if they do not seem to be the ideal companions for us. They are perfect for God.
Loving others, in no way means endorsing a sinful lifestyle. Jesus kicked it with the sinners, but He didn't tell them "Cool chillin' with you and loving on you; keep living how you're living!" He gave them the living Word- by what He said and how He lived. We didn't see Jesus join in their sins. Jesus was cool like that. He not only welcomed all people-but He stood by what He believed without condemning others; and people still loved Him. Paul tells the churches in Galatia in Galatians 6:1, "Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual (means: the Holy Spirit resides in you) should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted" (don't forget the last part).
We need to not only speak Truth in love to others, but we really need to learn how to appreciate and accept those who lovingly tell us the Truth. Appreciate those who remind us that God desires us to live in honor of Him and not just to please ourselves. If we as believers don't remind each other, who will?
We ARE NOT here to condemn others, nor mark the time to give up on someone. God never gives up on us, and neither shall we with one another. It's true that sometimes you may need to remove yourself from the person and/or situation- but that doesn't mean you stop praying over that person and situation. It doesn't mean, when there is a chance for you to serve a righteous need, that you turn your head. How can someone experience love, if you're not showing them any?
I have many friends and associates in my life. Sometimes I think too many, but that's another story. Most of the time I fall short- I just don't get it right. But then God reminds me that even when I wasn't trying, what He placed in me shined. A good friend of mine wrote me an email this past weekend with that reminder. It read, "You were the only person who talked to me and actually made working at (the company) worthwhile. It sounds like a tiny good deed, but even those tiny things make such a difference. Thanks again friend! You will always have a special place in my heart. :)" Is she Christian today? No, but she saw the heart and love of Christ in me and that's all I was meant to do. Now I'm left thinking, how much more I can do when I purpose to think about others and engage with them all the time. With the Holy Spirit in me, there's no limits to the people I can bring the hope of Christ to.
Are there people you have been neglecting because of their reputation, lifestyle, religion, past experiences, and/or attitudes? They may be the ones who most need to see and hear the message of Christ's love in and from you.
- DON'T WAIT FOR "YOUR" MOMENT. LIVE IN GOD'S MOMENT- RIGHT NOW, SHOW YOURSELF FRIENDLY & LOVING TO SOMEONE!
*don't have an agenda to convert people. Just purpose to love, be kind, be open and available to someone else. God is doing everything else.
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Prayer: Jesus, You are able to save completely and forever those who come to God through You, because You always live to intercede for us. You are our High Priest and You meet our need. You are holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners- but here to save and love the sinner and You're exalted above the heavens (Hebrews 7:25-26). Show us how to be excellent disciples. For You saved our lives; Let us use our saved lives to save others and equip others to live in Your Kingdom, and according to Your Will here on earth. In Your faithful name we pray. Amen
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"For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12
Resources: biblegateway.com, NIV Women's Devotional Bible- Classic Edition, The Divine Mentor by Wayne Cordeiro and Life Application Study Bible.
www.thegoodnews4yourlife.blogspot.com "Providing you with what you already have access to in the most convenient way. So that we all can continue to grow in wisdom & understanding of God." LT
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