Scripture Reading: Mark 2:13-17
“And when the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to His disciples, ‘How is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?'”—Mark 2:16
Jesus’ open and frequent association with the spiritually disenfranchised was a point of friction between Him and the religious establishment of that day. Jesus is recorded to have eaten with tax collectors and sinners on multiple occasions. Instead of shunning them, Jesus openly sought the company of the very people the scribes and Pharisees considered unclean.
Despite insults to His character and reputation for associating with sinners, Jesus made it clear, He came to reach those who were in need of His words of salvation, peace, love, forgiveness and hope: “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance” (v17).
It is said we are judged by the company we keep. Even scripture reminds us, “Evil company corrupts good habits” (1 Corinthians 15:33). Association with sinners should not be license to sin. Yet, here is Jesus, investing Himself in the ignored and detested elements of society in order to change their conditions.
Jesus wasn’t concerned with His reputation; He was concerned with the people’s eternal destination.
Today, there is increasing emphasis on developing connections with people who can help us in our educational pursuits, career aspirations and even relationship objectives. We devote ourselves to boosting our influence and sharpening our competitive edge. By keeping the right company that foster self-promotion, we can become Pharisees; dismissive of the very people Jesus embraced.
To whom do we devote our time and resources: Those who can benefit us, or those whom we can benefit? When was the last time we connected with that person who is alone and forgotten? Or spent time helping others feel good, even when it isn’t going to make us look good?
When we look beyond our own benefits, the company we keep makes a world of difference.
Despite insults to His character and reputation for associating with sinners, Jesus made it clear, He came to reach those who were in need of His words of salvation, peace, love, forgiveness and hope: “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance” (v17).
It is said we are judged by the company we keep. Even scripture reminds us, “Evil company corrupts good habits” (1 Corinthians 15:33). Association with sinners should not be license to sin. Yet, here is Jesus, investing Himself in the ignored and detested elements of society in order to change their conditions.
Jesus wasn’t concerned with His reputation; He was concerned with the people’s eternal destination.
Today, there is increasing emphasis on developing connections with people who can help us in our educational pursuits, career aspirations and even relationship objectives. We devote ourselves to boosting our influence and sharpening our competitive edge. By keeping the right company that foster self-promotion, we can become Pharisees; dismissive of the very people Jesus embraced.
To whom do we devote our time and resources: Those who can benefit us, or those whom we can benefit? When was the last time we connected with that person who is alone and forgotten? Or spent time helping others feel good, even when it isn’t going to make us look good?
When we look beyond our own benefits, the company we keep makes a world of difference.
Question to Ponder: Do I invest in those who benefit me, or those whom I can benefit and serve?
“Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.”—Romans 12:16
