Sharpen your pitchforks. Strike up the marching bands. Get some rubber tires burning. Today, were looking at Matthew 18, where Jesus says that if people dont repent, then they should be treated like a pagan or a tax collector. Thats Matthew 18:15-17. Read that, then get crafting those hateful placards and flags. Back? Good. Before we start the pagan purge, its worth us (and lots of the Church throughout history) looking up what Jesus meant by treating someone like a pagan or a tax collector. Funnily enough, whenever we see Him interacting with any sinners, pagans or tax collectors, it doesnt look anything like the Rent-A-Smite parade that we associate with certain churches and their public protests. Jesus shows each sinner he meets a soft heart and honest care. When He came across someone who He disagreed with, Jesus, looking at him, loved him. (Mark 10:21 ESV). When He met an outcast tax collector, He told him I must stay at your house today. (Luke 19:5 NIV). When Judas, His betrayer, sold Him out, He called him friend (Matthew 26:50.) He wasnt pretending they werent sinners. But He loved them to the point of spending so much time with them that others thought He was just as drunk and sinful as them. He didnt care that others saw Him as na?ve or mistaken - everything He did was to show sinners a way to a restored connection with the Father. What now? What would Jesus have you do and say regarding the unrepentant, least-worthy around you? Make a mini placard that bears that message of love.
Posted on: Thu, 27 Nov 2014 09:17:14 +0000
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