One of the things you notice as you read the gospels is that Jesus Christ was a friend of sinners. So much so that the other ministers called Him an alcoholic. They said all sorts of things about Him. But the Pharisee Pastors then and now don’t know any sinners, and it confuses them when someone does!
Look at what confused them in Matthew 9:
And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners? Matthew 9:11
They could not understand why Jesus would have a sandwich or a cup of coffee with a sinner! We have to be very careful we do not get so caught up in our services and ministry to the church we don’t know any sinners.
I challenge every pastor or leader: when was the last time you had lunch with a sinner?
As I entered my second year of Bible College, I was very concerned that not only were all my friends and people I ate with Christians, but not only that they were all Bible College students. I didn’t even know new Christians or those who didn’t share my call for ministry! I made some changes, I started going to our local pub to meet some sinners and eat with them and talk to them.
All of my life I have made sure I have friends who are sinners. It stops you arguing over how many angels are dancing on the head of a pin, it stops foolish disputes, it stops arrogance, and you have a chance to influence people. Also, when I am dealing with church people who have friends, family and coworkers, I can help them deal with them from experience.
One of the saddest problems I see with so many Christian leaders is that they are shining brightly into the light when we are supposed to shine in the darkness. But if you are never in the darkness, how can you shine there.
Pharisees forgot that the reason we live Holy isn’t to create the Holy living club, but to reflect the nature of God to the world and help others find His love and grace. People today do the same.
Selah.
Inspiring and Challenging Dreamers 