“As Jesus reclined at a table in Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, ‘Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?’ And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.’” (Mark 2:15-17)
2,000 years ago, people were taught that if they had anything in their lives to disqualify or label them as “unclean,” then they were not fit for relationship with God, whether it was because of something they did or even something done to them.
When Jesus came to the earth, He entirely uprooted this way of thinking. Over and over we see Him repeating the scripture above: associating with the lowly, the poor, the sinners, the “unclean,” instead of separating Himself from them. He pursued those who were hurt and saw themselves as unworthy, not because they were perfect, but because they weren’t. He brought them love and healing, and sealed the deal when He died on the Cross to free us all from the punishment of our sins!
Nowadays, however, I often see the same mindset that oppressed people then still inflicted upon us—oftentimes by ourselves. We say we aren’t “worthy of God” or are “too far gone.” However, just as it was 2,000 years ago, that is not the end of the story! Because of Jesus' sacrifice, we get that same freedom (Romans 6:23)—not because we’re perfect, but because we need it. God sees you as you are, no matter what you’ve done or what’s been done to you, and wants to give to you the gift of freedom and healing, because He loves you.
So as we draw near to family and friends this Christmas, let us also draw near to God and this free gift of salvation! You don’t need to earn it or be perfect to receive it. All you need is to say “yes” to Him.
As is so beautifully put in Hebrews 4:15-16: “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
Merry Christmas, my friends.
2,000 years ago, people were taught that if they had anything in their lives to disqualify or label them as “unclean,” then they were not fit for relationship with God, whether it was because of something they did or even something done to them.
When Jesus came to the earth, He entirely uprooted this way of thinking. Over and over we see Him repeating the scripture above: associating with the lowly, the poor, the sinners, the “unclean,” instead of separating Himself from them. He pursued those who were hurt and saw themselves as unworthy, not because they were perfect, but because they weren’t. He brought them love and healing, and sealed the deal when He died on the Cross to free us all from the punishment of our sins!
Nowadays, however, I often see the same mindset that oppressed people then still inflicted upon us—oftentimes by ourselves. We say we aren’t “worthy of God” or are “too far gone.” However, just as it was 2,000 years ago, that is not the end of the story! Because of Jesus' sacrifice, we get that same freedom (Romans 6:23)—not because we’re perfect, but because we need it. God sees you as you are, no matter what you’ve done or what’s been done to you, and wants to give to you the gift of freedom and healing, because He loves you.
So as we draw near to family and friends this Christmas, let us also draw near to God and this free gift of salvation! You don’t need to earn it or be perfect to receive it. All you need is to say “yes” to Him.
As is so beautifully put in Hebrews 4:15-16: “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
Merry Christmas, my friends.
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