While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and "sinners' were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him.
Mark 2:15 NIV
Today we read of a social aspect of Jesus' ministry where he eats with tax collectors and "sinners." This social pattern was a challenge to the Pharisees and as a result, they inquired...why? To this Jesus explained that He had not come to call the righteous, but rather to call sinners to repentance.
Throughout Jesus' ministry, we will read of individuals who Jesus touched in a deep, profound and mysterious way. Jesus was able to clearly teach, instruct, reach and lead large groups; however, most of Jesus' action, healing, teaching in parables, suffering and death had its focus on individuals. Relationships between individuals, personal faith, and relationships of individuals with Him seemed to be the main point of focus of Jesus' teaching, healing, and performance of miracles.
During his incarnate ministry on earth, Jesus wanted a close personal relationship with tax collectors and "sinners" to lead them to repentance, to baptism, and to a new and eternal life in the kingdom.
Today, Jesus in heaven, at the right hand of God the Father, still has that same desire; for a close personal relationship with us individuals. All are important, welcome, and invited. There is great joy when one, when led by the Spirit, begins a walk with Jesus by gaining an understanding and acceptance of what Jesus has done, for each one of us, in his death to defeat sin and resurrection for eternal, abundant, life.
What kind of social activities could a believer participate in?
What kind of social activities do you participate in?
Pray for your social activites to bring glory to God.
In Christ,
David P
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