"When the Pharisees saw this, they said to His disciples, 'Why is your Teacher eating with the tax collectors and sinners?' But when Jesus heard this, He said, 'It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire compassion, not sacrifice,' for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.'" -Matthew 9:11-13 (NASB)
I recently read an article about a star athlete that associated with the "wrong" kind of people. While his family knew he was not surrounding himself with the best people, they acknowledged his "good heart" and acceptance of others. Unfortunately, the athlete allowed his associates to bring him down and his story did not have a happy ending.
Jesus' disciples were faced with a similar dilemma posed by the Pharisees. The Pharisees viewed Jesus associating with tax collectors and sinners as problematic. What the Pharisees failed to realize several things. Jesus was not sinking to the perceived level of sin as those He associated with, the Pharisees were not really as blameless as they believed themselves to be, and Jesus didn't come to save those that were righteous. As Jesus associated with those society labeled as sinners, Jesus was elevating these people above their sin. Though we are all sinners, we can be saved through faith and belief in Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for each and every one of us!
Be sure to associate with Jesus and allow yourself to elevate your associates through the redeeming power of Jesus Christ!
Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for sending Jesus to save all sinners, even me. Help my relationship with You through Jesus, Your Son, to spread Your love and elevate those around me through their acceptance of Your redeeming grace, mercy, and power. Through Jesus I pray, amen.
Jesus' disciples were faced with a similar dilemma posed by the Pharisees. The Pharisees viewed Jesus associating with tax collectors and sinners as problematic. What the Pharisees failed to realize several things. Jesus was not sinking to the perceived level of sin as those He associated with, the Pharisees were not really as blameless as they believed themselves to be, and Jesus didn't come to save those that were righteous. As Jesus associated with those society labeled as sinners, Jesus was elevating these people above their sin. Though we are all sinners, we can be saved through faith and belief in Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for each and every one of us!
Be sure to associate with Jesus and allow yourself to elevate your associates through the redeeming power of Jesus Christ!
Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for sending Jesus to save all sinners, even me. Help my relationship with You through Jesus, Your Son, to spread Your love and elevate those around me through their acceptance of Your redeeming grace, mercy, and power. Through Jesus I pray, amen.
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