The 'sinners' and 'tax collectors'

Mark 2 : 13 - 17

I came not to call the righteous but sinners.....

It is amazing how quickly we forget that we are 'sinners' saved by grace. And that we continue to have weaknesses of all kinds, even though we are 'justified' by faith. A friend told me that once at a seeker's group, a young man who had just become a Christian shared about his past life of sin. Those in the group became uncomfortable and people just did not know how to respond to him. After the group, they felt awkward and could not befriend him. Does this sound like a common scenario in our churches, among those who have forgotten what it was like before......? Have we forgotten how badly we sinned before coming under the healing and redemptive grace of Christ? Why is it uncomfortable when people are open about their past lives?

The Pharisees had. They had somehow forgotten their status as recipients of God's grace. They thought of themselves as 'superior' to the likes of people who were 'sinners' and 'tax collectors' - the public sinners. They would not be seen in public with such people. Yet Jesus found himself attracting those who were 'sick', morally and spiritually. Or rather, they found themselves at home with him and sought out his company.

If I am to enjoy Jesus' company, I would have to accept the people he hung out with! After all, we are all sinners, some saved by grace earlier than others.....some thankfully having been spared serious sins, while others were not. But to know Christ is to learn to be comfortable with those he would be comfortable with.

I thank God that I have few illusions about my 'sanctity' or 'spiritual status'. It is always and everywhere by the grace of God that we can even approach him. And he makes no distinction among those he has adopted into his family.

I have often thought that it is very encouraging to hear testimonies of real transformation, and that those who share honestly are giving us a gift that leaves them vulnerable. May we learn to embrace and welcome them gratefully.