“NUMBERED AMONG SINNERS”

15 And as he reclined at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. 16 And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 

Mark 2:15-16

Jesus Christ is a religious leader like no other. His impact on the world is unfading. Two thousand years after His life, death, and resurrection, He remains the most important Person in history.

Our previous blog reminded us that Jesus meets people where they are. Here’s a timeless principle you and I need to remember: Jesus Christ is the Savior of all, including the outcasts of society.

Throughout Jesus’ ministry, He attended not only the prescribed Jewish festivals but also private parties. These were out-of-the-norm gatherings but often spontaneous. They demonstrated a joyous celebration of God’s grace, which is offered to all people, counting the marginalized. By attending such parties, Jesus showed no fear of being contaminated by the sins of people. Instead, He imparted God’s grace to them.

Man-made religion tells us what we “must do” to win God’s favor. If you can’t do what it tells you, you will be discarded and counted among the heathen. In such a religious system, you’re just a number; you’re expendable. You don’t matter.

But Jesus was different. He didn’t mind being in the company of sinners. To Him, every human was made in God’s image and therefore valuable. Therefore, He came down to earth, and drew people to God.

Here’s how the Book of Isaiah predicts what Jesus would do.

12 “Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors.”

Isaiah 53:12

Jesus’ association with sinners was just a shadow of His ultimate mission of being our Sin-bearer. Though He was innocent, He was charged with human sins and sentenced to die a criminal’s death.

What does this mean? If society rejects us, if religion turns us down, we can look unto Jesus and find forgiveness. If we come to Him in repentance and faith, He will welcome us with His loving arms. He will embrace us, show us grace, and make us God’s children.

Pursue the Savior today!

Photo by John Towner on Unsplash