[Discoveries] 04-13-08 Friend of sinners -- Mark 2:16

[Inspiration in Your Inbox]

/*When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw [Jesus] eating 
with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked His disciples: "Why does 
He eat with tax collectors and sinners?" -- Mark 2:16*/

Let's start with this question: Why didn't the teachers of the law eat 
with sinners? Why did they object?

I think they were afraid. Afraid of being contaminated, no doubt. But 
also, perhaps, afraid of being exposed. Once you remove the religious 
facade, was there any substance to their lives? Was there any real power 
to their message, apart from the ecclesiastical power that they found in 
the title "teacher"? And why were they afraid of being contaminated? Was 
it because they were afraid they might discover that these sinners had 
something better, more enticing, more delicious than what the teachers 
possessed?

It's a strange paradox. The more Jesus accomplishes in us, the more 
comfortable we are with sinners. On one hand their behavior doesn't 
shock us any more. On the other, it doesn't tempt us either. We become 
comfortable with ourselves, secure in who we are in Christ. We find that 
we can listen to them without scrambling to shore up our own defenses.

I think it's all part of God's plan. Salt is useless while still in the 
shaker.

Be encouraged!
Dwight

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