We invite you to encounter more of Christ by reflecting on his marvelous names in Scripture. This page features daily selections from the book, I Want to Know More of Christ, by Steve Hall. As you listen to the audio or read the text versions (which are updated every day) may you become increasingly captivated by the fullness of Christ! You can also receive a free daily email reminder to visit this page by signing up below.
Jesus is…
A Friend of Tax Collectors and Sinners
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SCRIPTURE READING:
Luke 7:33-34
For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’
SIGNIFICANCE:
The LORD JESUS CHRIST lovingly accepts and ministers to those whom others reject.
Dear Father, I am very sorry that the people spoken about in today’s Scripture passage were mocking Jesus by calling Him a Friend of Tax Collectors and Sinners. At the same time, I am eternally grateful that Jesus is the perfect, faithful, unconditional Friend to me and to all other tax collectors and sinners (all people), regardless of our status in life, the level of sin we have committed, or whether or not we receive His friendship. I praise Jesus, that in addition to Him having all the love and compassion of the very best friend all people could ever have, He also has all the power and authority to fulfill every act of friendship He knows we need. I am reminded of the first part of a hymn by Johnson Oatman, Jr.: (verse 1) “There’s not a Friend like the lowly Jesus. No, not one! No, not one! None else could heal all our soul’s diseases, No, not one! No, not one! (chorus) Jesus knows all about our struggles. He will guide ‘til the break of day. There’s not a Friend like the lowly Jesus. No, not one! No, not one!” I receive His all-encompassing friendship, give Him all my friendship, and earnestly pray that every person in my spheres of influence will soon awaken to the greatness of the Friend of Tax Collectors and Sinners, and gratefully choose to live in His redeeming friendship too. All honor and glory to the Friend of Tax Collectors and Sinners, in Whose name I pray these things. Amen.
