Opposite Way

Many, many times in the Gospels it shows Jesus talking with, healing, eating with, and basically hanging out with “sinners.” His compassion and heart for them to be saved is amazing.

He took time to talk to a Samaritan woman, even though he was weary from his journey, and despite the fact that it was unacceptable culturally for Him to talk to her. And through it, He changed her life and many others. (John 4:5-42)

He called fishermen (who were probably pretty smelly) and tax collectors (who were hated by others) to be His disciples. But wouldn’t that affect His ministry with everyone else, who probably couldn’t stand to be around them, and influencing their view of Jesus negatively?

Jesus went the opposite way of the world. Not only when He was feeling good or joyful, but in times of struggle, pain, and heart-wrenching moments. He thought of the thief on the cross, he thought of you and me when being scourged.

Jesus had a bigger picture in mind, and had Someone greater that He was living for.

Matthew 9:12-13 says “But when Jesus heard this, He said, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire compassion, and not sacrifice,’ for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Maybe today we need to sit down and learn what it means when Jesus says He desires compassion, not sacrifice. I know I do.