Luke 15:1-2
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Take a moment to settle into your surroundings and then begin to recognize your breath. As you breathe in, call on the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Read Luke 15:1-2 slowly letting the impact of Luke’s words sink in.
We’ve considered before that tax collectors were basically traitors to their own people. They were Jews who were employed by the Roman government to collect taxes on behalf of Caesar, and from the examples we see in the Gospels, we know that tax collectors in general had a shady reputation. Overall, they were despised by other Jewish people.
The word Luke chooses to describe the other “sinners” mentioned in this passage carries the meanings “sinning, sinful, depraved, detestable (Strongs, 268).” These were people who had broken the laws of God and failed miserably at living the kinds of lives required of God’s people.
Yet, Luke tells us that these depraved, detestable, despised sinners often made their way to Jesus to hear him teach.
Take a moment to contemplate this. Think of the people you might consider to be the most depraved and detestable. Then picture these people coming to Jesus to hear him teach.
What do you believe they may have heard or experienced while listening to Jesus? Share your thoughts with Jesus and listen to see if there is anything he wants you to notice.
Read Luke 15:1-2 again.
The people of Israel, God’s chosen people, were meant to be a people “set apart” for God with different laws and practices that would reflect the glory of God. But in addition to being set apart, they were also called by God to multiply blessing throughout the earth.
By the time Jesus walked the earth, the religious leaders of Israel were making tremendous efforts to remain “set apart,” but they seem to have forgotten about blessing the “families of the earth (Genesis 12:1-3).” And they seem to have misunderstood the heart of God.
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God is Good News to the poor - both to the under-resourced and those who are destitute in spirit. And followers of Jesus are his ambassadors to spread his Good News.
For the final moments of this time of reflection, consider whether “notorious sinners” would be drawn to your life and message. Then consider whether they would want to be around the people in your faith community.
What might Jesus want you to hear or adjust today?
What will you do about that?
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The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide ebook can help you learn how to recognize God's voice, how to read and understand the Bible, how to develop deep spiritual friendships, and how to become the person you were meant to be. Use it alone, with a friend or in a small group.
