Luke 15:1-2 NLT – [1] Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach. [2] This made the Pharisees and teachers of religious law complain that he was associating with such sinful people—even eating with them!
On any given Sunday morning, there are probably at least a dozen different pastors and preachers who I can watch and listen to and their services. In fact, I can watch and listen to their whole service on my phone, iPad, and television.
I actually love it. I must get in at least three to four different sermons and teachings as well as praise and worship services every Sunday.
Oftentimes the cameramen will pan across the congregation. I don't know why, but I find it very interesting to see who the people look like at various churches. Everyone, for the most part, looks well dressed. They look well-kept with nice makeup and their hair combed. But rarely do I see people covered in tattoos. Rarely do I see people who look like they live on the streets in the pews. Definitely, I don't see anyone who look like criminals.
That's why, when I read this passage yesterday during one of the services I watched, I thought it was very revealing about who we often limit ourselves to sharing and touching with the gospel.
But what I found even more interesting was when I read the scripture for today about Jesus and who He attracted. I believe that we attract the people we want to see often. For Jesus, He made it very clear that He was present not to address the righteous but rather the sick who needed a physician.
You've got to ask yourself, "Do I look in a different direction when I pass someone at the mall or at a store or on the street or sidewalk who doesn't look quite like the type of person I could be sitting beside in a pew of our church?" I know when I pass that person who looks well-kept and with a smile on their face, I will be much more likely to make eye contact and to greet them. Even speak to them as I'm assuming they might be the kind of person who sits next to me at church. Is there any wonder why we don't reach more of those who Jesus sought? The lost who are not a part of, or lost their way from, the flock?
I'm not telling you you're a bad person because you don't stop and embrace everyone pushing a shopping cart. What I am saying, though, is take the time to examine the Walk of Christ. Look at who He attracted both as to how and why.
I am becoming more convinced each day that I'm not just here to look good. To dress sharp and to fellowship with the righteous.
There was a reason the tax collectors and notorious sinners sought to hang out with Jesus. Today, ponder why. I think we all know the answer to that question at least on some level. Christ welcomed them with a smile and greeting of grace in the hope to redeem each and every one of them.
Stay healthy and have a blessed week!
~Dean Burnetti
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