Date: 01-15-2020

Title: Jesus’ Example

(S) Scripture
    Luke 15:1-2 (NASB77) Now all the tax-gatherers and the sinners were coming near Him to listen to Him. ²  And both the Pharisees and the scribes began to grumble, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”

(O) Observation
    Jesus welcomed all who came to hear him. Their background or life situation or heritage did not matter to him. He was called a “friend of sinners”. When he is rebuked by the religious people he simply tells them a parable about what is important to God. The series of “lost” stories gives us Jesus’ priorities.

(A) Application
    I wonder what people say about me. Am I a “friend of sinners” or do I associate only with “righteous” people. One indictment against Christians is that the longer they are Christians the fewer non-Christians they know. If Jesus was seen with sinners, I should not be afraid to be seen with them. My reputation as a pastor is not tarnished by my association with those who do not yet believe. I must intentionally put myself in contact with those who do not know Christ. Today I will continue to look for opportunities to connect with people who have not yet followed Jesus.

(P) Prayer
    Father, Thank you for saving me and allowing me to be called your child. Let me never forget what that means. Help me to connect with those who need your forgiveness and let me be their friend. God use me today. Amen