Jesus invites us not to avoid people

"Why do you eat with tax collectors and sinners?" Jesus heard this and said to them: “Those who are well do not need a doctor, but the sick do it. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners. "Mark 2: 16-17

Jesus did it, and you? Are you willing to be seen with those who are "sinners"? The interesting thing to note about this passage of Scripture is that ALL are sinners. Therefore, the truth is that all those with whom Jesus is associated were sinners.

But this passage and the criticisms of Jesus did not concern so much that He associated himself with people who had committed sins; rather, it was more about him associating with those who were considered by the elite of society. Jesus freely spent time with the "undesirables". He was not afraid of being seen with those who had been scorned by others. The scribes and Pharisees realized very quickly that Jesus and his disciples welcomed these people. They ate and drank with tax collectors, sexual sinners, thieves and the like. Furthermore, they apparently welcomed these people without judgment.

So, going back to the initial question ... Are you willing to be seen and associated with those who are unpopular, dysfunctional, injured, confused and the like? Are you willing to let your reputation suffer because you love and take care of those in need? Are you even willing to go so far as to make friends with someone who will damage your social reputation?

Reflect today on the person in your life you may want to avoid. Because? Who might you not want to be seen with or you may not want to readily associate with? It may be that this person, more than any other, is the person with whom Jesus wants you to spend time.

Lord, you love all people with a deep and perfect love. You have come, above all, for those whose lives were broken and sinful. Help me to always look for those in need and to love all people with unwavering love and without judgment. Jesus I believe in you.