Such scandal in today’s reading! In Luke 15:1-2, Jesus was accused of associating–and even eating with–sinful people! In other places these people are referred to as “scum” (Matthew 9:11 and Luke 5:29). We reserve “the scum of the earth” title for especially mean-spirited people, don’t we?
Surely Jesus came to bring peace, joy and hope to the poor and downtrodden. But mean, wicked people? Why would He want them? There must be a line drawn somewhere, right?
Nope.
Each and every individual is of infinite worth to the Creator of all. Each and every individual deserves the right to choose life or death, by choosing to follow Christ or reject him.
We cannot look at a person and assign an eternal value to their soul based on their behaviors here on earth. We just don’t know enough!
“The LORD doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).
Jesus came for all. He went looking for those who had been given up on. All are valuable.
May we have eyes to see the eternal worth of everyone around us, whether or not they “fit the bill” in our eyes for the Kingdom of God.
May we not be concerned about what others think of us as we spend time with those others might deem “undesirable.”
May our light shine for those who desperately need to see it.
Jesus “came to seek and save those who are lost” (Luke 19:10). May we follow in his footsteps, and become guilty by association!
I’m reading through Luke one chapter a day in December. Today is December 15, so we’re in Luke 15. You can read along!
Photo by Allef Vinicius on Unsplash
Lauri Hawley 
One of the great lies of modern liberal christianity and quickly picked up by all those opposed to True Christians is “You are not to judge only God does that.” They quote Matthew 7:1-5 as proof positive end of discussion and disregard the Whole Counsel (remaining Word) of God. The best example, because it is just a few verses further on in Matthew 7:15-20 Jesus says to beware of false prophets and we will know (judge) them by their fruits.
No where does the bible tell us to condemn others, in fact it says they condemn themselves John 3:19 but we are most certainly to judge others, it is called biblical discernment.
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“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23). None of us has arrived at a place high enough to be able to look down on anyone else, and deem them unfit for salvation. We are to live in love, regardless of whether others think they deserve it or not. Eternal judgement (condemnation) is in the hands of God. Until then, there is always hope for the individual to turn to him. We must live as salt and light, showing Christ’s love for the world, and being ready to explain the reason for the hope that we have (1 Peter 3:15). We must live in humility, and remember all that Christ has saved us from. ❤
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Guilty as charged! Dr. Luke also speaks about this in the book of Mark 2:17. I’m so glad that Jesus made a way for all of us, who accept Him, as our Lord and Savior.
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