Does Jesus Weep?
Greetings,
Jesus said:
“To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others: ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge and you did not mourn.’ For John came neither eating nor drinking and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and “sinners.”‘ But wisdom is proved right by her actions.” Matthew 11: 16-19
Does anyone else find it odd that Jesus loved and was a friend of tax collectors and sinners, but the vast majority of traditional/institutional “church” members avoid folks like that like the plague? Many seem to preach and follow the doctrine of separation. Which calls for “saints” to totally avoid sinners at just about all cost. Jesus certainly did not live that way and neither should we.
Jesus lived, loved, and walked among every type of person in the communities He served, lived in and visited. Not even the lepers were unclean to Him. In fact the people He had the most difficulties with were the Pharisees who valued Law and separation over and above relationship. Seems to me that there are a great number of modern day Pharisees in the “Church” today. They are people who lift doctrine, Law and “right” teaching over relationship, grace, mercy and love.
In true community everyone is accepted and loved, even sinners. Which raises this huge question…. are there any sinners in your life? Or is your circle of community drawn so small and tight that it only includes members of your “church”? Seems to me that Jesus was saying that we all need to play, dance, sing, eat, drink and mourn together with people from all walks of life. If your “Christian” life is so narrow that no “sinner” can be a part of it at any time… I think you miss the true message of Jesus and have settled for something far less than Christ.
Of course this whole conversation begs the question of… who is not a sinner in the first place? Jesus emptied Himself, left heaven and His Father to come to earth as a mortal child and then as a mortal man loved us so much that He freely gave His life for all of us while we were still sinners. (Romans 5: 8) Jesus is the friend of sinners and if you can fully grasp that in your heart and mind, you would have no problem whatsoever welcoming sinners into your life too. We are all called to love and serve whoever comes into our lives. To actually lay down our lives for our friends, and if your definition of “friend” is too narrow… I am certain that Jesus weeps.
Love and….
Kirk Out !
notesfromthebridge 
This should be a huge topic in all areas of worship. Weather you go to a traditional church, home church or if your schedule only allows for you to worship through your life. “Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight. Jesus loves {all} the children of His world”! Hate the sin Love the sinner! I think these two statements say it all. Just because someone is different then you isn’t a reason to not like them. You have no idea what has happened in their life to bring them to this point. A small kind gesture from you may be the break they need. We are NOT put here to judge others, and it seems so many don’t want to believe that, but it is a fact! Next time you see that drunk on the corner begging ask yourself where would I be if for some reason everything was taken from me at once.
It is true i remember jesus said to a prostitute i forgive you go and dont do sin again….in that point it will realizes that god loves as all coz we are sinners no one is perfect in this world….god bless!!!!!
You know what hit me the other day about this scripture? Jesus told her to go and sin no more…..he did NOT tell her…..now, go to church, sit under a ministery, pay your tithes, submit to those in authority over you,…. (I think you get the picture). He just instructed her to now “live” in her new found life. Makes you wonder why “man” is so comfortable perverting the gospel.
You said it so well. I particularly like “Seems to me that there are a great number of modern day Pharisees in the “Church” today. They are people who lift doctrine, Law and “right” teaching over relationship, grace, mercy and love.”
Great comments everyone! Welcome jesuswithoutbaggage.
And then let us remember those sinners that sin the sin of being a Pharisee and religious person…they really are in bondage too, addicted to power and religious activity. I believe it runs both ways….the sinner lying on the street corner in his own vomit from being drunk; and the sinner filling the table in church full of the vomit of tradition and religion. Just seems like sometimes we tend to leave them out so I sound like I’m on a hobby horse…..sorry about that. We don’t have to eat the vomit in either place but we sure can reach the hand to them all. Enjoying catching up on the blog! “BK”