REDEMPTIVE COMPASSION
Richard Harris
Today’s Scripture: “And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?’” Matthew 9:10-11, ESV
Theme: Befriend those who are not like you so that you might show God’s love and have an opportunity to share the Gospel.
EMULATE CHRIST
Jesus shows us a wise, loving leadership style which is difficult to compare to any earthly leader. Those leaders, no matter how sincere their actions, will never measure up to the Son of God. Instead, let us start by comparing Jesus to our own thoughts, actions, relationships, accountability, and character traits as we endeavor to emulate Him. Do we speak the truth? Do we follow Jesus’ example humbly with our whole hearts? Do we value others? Are we showing God’s love and acting with compassion and forgiveness? Do we stick with people like us, or are we willing to hang out with those on the margins?
When the Pharisees asked the disciples ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?’ they revealed just how far away from God they were. Jesus was a healer of unhealthy lifestyles. His mission was to bring redemption to all, especially the lost and broken. He brought awareness to sinful lifestyles, but with compassion. Jesus revealed to us His core message when he quoted Hosea 6:6, ESV: “For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.”
God’s Presence and Spirit are constantly around us, as Jesus was surrounded. He loved being around the non-devoted, those that the religious leaders excluded, the sinners, the tax-collectors. He was in a state of comfort, intimacy, and fellowship with them all. Today’s verse tells us that “Jesus reclined at the table.” Reclining symbolizes his freedom and leisure. There are numerous accounts in the Bible, telling of this manner of comfort within a discomforting atmosphere. From Luke 7:36, Jesus reclines at the house of a Pharisee. John 13:23 takes us to the Last Supper. While Jesus reclines at a table, a woman pours expensive perfume on Jesus’s head (Matthew 26:7). Jesus met and dined with all sorts. Many came to condemn Him and went away open to God’s voice.
WHAT IS YOUR PULPIT?
The Good News changed all types of people, as Jesus showed loving concern for all. He prioritized mercy and compassion over many of the religious rituals that the Pharisees emphasized. Ministries come in many forms.
Make it Personal: We must follow Jesus’ example of redemptive compassion and reach out to all people … regardless of their social or spiritual standing. “How?” You may ask. There are common-place sins, today, that are basically being ignored as sins. How can we bring awareness to sinful lifestyles? From the list below, choose one, two, or hopefully all to share the leadership qualities of our Lord and Savior. Start your mission by finding meaning from the corresponding Bible verses, then live those words, and use them as a pulpit of healing.
- Selfishness/Self-Righteousness (Philippians 2:3-4)
- Pride (James 4:6)
- Gluttony (Philippians 3:19)
- Hatred (1 John 2:9)
- Judgement (Romans 14:12-13)
- Patriotism, when it’s placed ahead of Christian values (Philippians 3:20)
- Fear/Worry (1 John 4:18)
- Gossip (Ephesians 4:29)
Remember the example of Jesus’ compassion in reaching out to all people, regardless of their social or spiritual standing. God is on your side … and, if God is for you, who can be against you? Reclining at a meal is your option.
Pray: Almighty Father, as today’s verse speaks to us in such a way of influencing our daily actions, we thank You for the Good News of Jesus. It is our mortal desire to emulate our Lord’s redemptive teachings. Please, please help us become available to all those who need that Good News. We ask that You help us change from the inside out, so that we may cultivate a genuine interest in other people, throughout our daily actions. May we gain heavenly compassion to spread Your love. To You, LORD, we give all the glory, through the Good News of Your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen
Read: Hosea 6:6, Romans 1:16, 3:10, 8:31, 2 Timothy 2:15
Weekly Memory Verse: “But when he heard it, he said, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means: ‘”desire mercy, and not sacrifice.” For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.’” Matthew 9:12-13, ESV