And as he reclined at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus 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
That's interesting. It reminds of my parents' stories about people that gathered at the synagogue, some of them quite mean and wicked.That's one of the reasons I don't like organized religion and believe my prayer in such a context would be a waste.
ReplyDeleteDon't let us sinners steer you away from God, Duta. Please.
DeleteHi Sandi,
ReplyDeleteI like the analogy of 'Those who are well have no need of a physician,..'
Painfully true
DeleteThere are too many people in this world who don't realize that they are the Pharisees.
ReplyDeleteI have always liked that painting.
Yes, and sinners too.
DeleteI love the line about the physician. Very true.
ReplyDeleteAmen! We just read that in our morning devotions yesterday! I love this thought about Jesus, and the way we should be also. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteWe are ALL sinners - Thankfully we have a very forgiving God. :)
ReplyDeleteAmen to this. Spot on.
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed day. ♥
Yes, we need to be kind and care about all, being a friend to sinners, and attending church should never be a litmus test as to who is a true Christian, we will know them by their fruits. And it is interesting that many times you can find someone in a bar who is more kind then some of the people who attend church. I love Greg Locke's view on that, that pastor gets that so well. I understand the comment about organized religion, there is a lot about some of organized religion that Jesus doesn't like either. Jesus rebuked the religious more than anyone. I'm sure there are some very good churches as in Church with a capital 'C' but I get the problem with organized religion. Many people in our area cannot find a decent true church. My son in law is a pastor, a true shepherd who really, really cares about people and exhibits true religion as the Bible states so wonderfully but he relays there area lot of men playing games in the pulpit to make a long story short, many don't seem to spend time with the Lord and just really take things very lightly, not really caring about anyone or anything, just numbers so to speak. May Jesus be our plumbline. True North. How do we treat people who don't go to our church or any church or may be an independent thinker? I'm amused even here on blogger by the silent shunning that takes place many times, the little prejudices. Did I ever write that I dislike cliques immensely? *big smile* (You know me by now)
ReplyDeleteNice post Sandi. I've noticed that you are kind to all and I think that is great. God bless you Sandi!
"many don't seem"
DeleteBe careful with this, Amelia. There area lot of people out there who are wounded. Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse them.
❤️
DeleteI'm one of those sinners that He has called and am so so grateful for His mercy and grace...
ReplyDeleteFor sure!
ReplyDeleteBe careful with this? I don't understand. I hope that I did not come across as cursing anyone, just calling it out for what I've seen in over 40 years. My spiritual giftings are prophet and mercy. I'm trying to let people know that those who have seen hypocrisy in the churches don't couple it with Jesus, many couple Jesus with the problems in the church. It's not Jesus who did that to them.
ReplyDelete*sigh* God's blessings to you Sandi.
No no no, that's not what I meant. I will send you an email.
DeleteWhat I meant was we can get unforgiveness lodged in our hearts and that does bad things to us. What I meant by be careful is to literally be careful holding onto that. That's all.
Delete(I am talking to myself here too.)
No, it's not about unforgiveness, just about the errors I see and I see it harming many young sheep who equate Jesus with church and ministry, they don't understand that it breaks God's heart too. I won't go into TMD here. I would love to be part of a wonderful church but in our area we do not have that luxury.
Delete"errors I see and I see it harming many young sheep"
DeleteOk. I see what you mean here. I agree.
There is none that is perfect and we are all sinners who need forgiveness.
ReplyDeleteSandi love this scripture...like Paul said I am a sinner of the worst...me too and I am grateful every day that His grace is for me and all people who call on His name. Hugs
ReplyDeleteSuper blog
ReplyDeleteAmen
ReplyDelete❤️ How come it was so scandalous to eat with tax collectors and sinners?
ReplyDeleteGood question.
DeleteI think it was because everyone was trying to look pure. If they stayed away from sinners maybe no one would notice they were sinners themselves. That word is so awkward. Sinners. It sounds so judgemental, but I only mean people who do self-destructive things.
I have always liked that painting, and that verse.
ReplyDeleteI know this painting Sandi. I didn't know the Mark's words.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Nadezda.
Delete