He Eats With Them?

They got it right!  It was an observation that was accurate and true in every respect.  And yet, the supposed damning indictment that followed actually turned out to be the best news ever.  But more on that in a moment…

For context, in my last blog post, I wrote about seeking the Lord’s presence.  I also noted some compelling reasons, from the Word of God, to do so.  His presence:

·         Gives rest;

·         Is where I experience absolute joy;

·         Is really all that I need;

·         Is where I find safety;

·         Provides the refreshing I need.

Given all that, who wouldn’t want to be in the Lord’s presence?  Well, among those who were part of the observation described above, some did and some didn’t.  Here’s what led to the observation and it also shows who did and who didn’t want to be in the Lord’s presence:

“Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear him.  But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”  (Luke 15:1-2)

The religious leaders rightly observed that the tax collectors and sinners wanted to be in the Lord’s presence.  But that was not the place the religious leaders could stomach being in.  Since they despised tax collectors and sinners, they could never be around Jesus if He was going to hang out with those people.

And the damning indictment?

The religious leaders felt that anyone with any ounce of religious sense would do the same as they did, avoid tax collectors and sinners at all costs.  So when Jesus welcomed tax collectors and sinners and ate with them, to the religious leaders that merited an indictment.  An indictment, by the way, is an accusation of a serious crime or an expression of strong disapproval.  And in this situation, adding indictment upon indictment, since Jesus was hanging out with tax collectors and sinners, that, to the religious leaders meant that Jesus must have been a sinner too!      

And the best news ever?

Jesus welcomes sinners!  Yep, let me repeat that:  Jesus welcomes sinners!

And He still welcomes sinners of all shapes and sizes.  For those who have trusted Him as their Savior, they are welcome to seek His presence and dwell in it!

There and there alone is where we can experience absolute joy and find all that we need!