Jesus was always accused of associating with sinners and tax collectors. In Matthew 9:11 and Mark 2:16 the religious leaders question Jesus' disciples. They asked, "Why does he eat with sinners and tax collectors?" They ask this question because it really bothered them. The law taught that these people were dirty, not physically, but spiritually. Associating with these people would make you unclean.
There are two things that sticks out to me in both of these accounts. The religious leaders approached the disciples with this question, not Jesus. Why? Is it possible they did not want to get close to Jesus because he was now considered unclean? Chew on that thought for a moment. No wonder these sinners and tax collectors did not want anything to do with religion.
And what about the disciples? The question asked did not include them. The religious leaders did not say, "Why do 'you' eat with sinners and tax collectors?" Were they just standing back and watching Jesus hang out with these outcasts? Maybe they were shocked as well. It was just so uncommon for a religious figure to mix and mingle with people who were so far from God.
Not much has changed has it? I have watched religious leaders criticize followers of Jesus for hanging out in places that are full of "sinners." It is becoming more common for Christians to create their own utopia society where they never hang out with people who are far from God.
But Jesus did it? Why did Jesus hang out with sinners and tax collectors?
Jesus hears the question and says:
"It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." (Matthew 9:13)
Jesus went to the margins of society to find people who were far from God. He did not wait for them to come to Him. When he got there he showed them mercy by eating with them, talking with them and rubbing shoulders with them. This is something they had never experienced from anyone associated with Judaism.
Not only did Jesus show those far from God mercy, he showed religious leaders and his disciples how to love people who are far from God.
Here's a challenge to you. Start spending some time with people far from God. And if some Christian questions you and says, "Why do you hang out with people like that?" Simply answer:
"Because Jesus did it."
4 comments:
Great post, Scott! I've been thinking through the implications of this for several years. It has definitely influenced my understanding of incarnational ministry :)
Jesus hung out with sinners becasue that is the only kind of folks there are. Scripture says all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.
We are just one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread.
Anonymous,
Thanks for you comment, but I think we need to stick to the answer Jesus' gave when asked why he ate with sinners and tax collectors:
"It is not the healthy that need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, sinners."
While your answer is correct, we are sinners who have fallen short of God's glory, this is not what the story is about.
You answer is so broad that in it inclusive of everyone. So, a person could be rubbing shoulders with sinners every week they are in church. While that is true, Jesus is being accused of going into places and hanging out with people who are considered untouchables. People who are not considered to have any worth, any value and any consideration for God's kingdom.
By saying he hung out with sinners because that is all there are, lifts the burden and responsibility of Christ follwers to go to the margins of society. It is in the margins of society that Jesus did his best work- Levi was called as one of his disciples and he was the scum of the earth according to the most religious.
Just surfing the web and I look on this site every so often. This last blog hit me hard - not only is Scott right but does practice what he writes. We should all do this in our everyday life.
Thanks
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