"I tell you the truth, corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes
will get into the Kingdom of God before you do."
Matthew 21:31
Jesus could be blunt with His words when He felt it was needed...
will get into the Kingdom of God before you do."
Matthew 21:31
Jesus could be blunt with His words when He felt it was needed...
And this was probably one of many reasons why the common people and the so-called "outcasts" of society loved Him. He was not afraid to point out hypocrisy when he saw it. Especially if they were members of the self-righteous religious crowd who thought highly of themselves, while despising those whom they labeled as hopeless sinners.
In the gospels, the Lord Jesus made it clear that He did not come to call the ones who thought themselves to be righteous and holy. Nor did He come to heal the healthy. In His own words, Jesus said, "Healthy people don't need a doctor - sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners" (Mark 2:17).
In Christ's eyes, the religious leaders got it all wrong. They mistakenly thought that by doing a lot of pious works and performing many good deeds, they would earn God's approval, and thus make themselves worthy of Heaven. But their pride deceived them, as the Scriptures do not teach that people can earn forgiveness through their own self-effort (Ephesians 2:8-9).
According to the Bible, all have sinned, and as a result have fallen short of God's perfect standards (Romans 3:23). Therefore, everyone is in need of forgiveness. And this is where Jesus comes in. When He came on the scene, He began to teach people about God. He taught them that Father God loves humanity and longs to have an intimate relationship with His creation. He wants us to have lives of peace, joy and hope.
For the masses, this was good news. And like the women who were prostitutes, or criminals, and all who were living broken and troubled lives, this was a dream come true. I could just visualize them looking at Jesus and asking questions such as, "Do you mean God truly loves me?" Or, "Mister Jesus, are you telling me that I can be forgiven for all my sins?"
For the first time, the common people were being told that God loves them and welcomes all to come to Him. That the Almighty has not rejected them. It was the prideful religious crowd who judged them as being "unclean," and therefore taught that they had no part in God's kingdom. Sadly, multitudes believed the lie that God wanted nothing to do with them. While the truth was that Father God wanted everything to do with them.
It's no different today. There are many who think themselves to be good enough for heaven. They pride themselves on being model citizens. And while they may not have broken the laws of the land, which is commendable, they have broken God's laws. And many times, at that! In fact, we all have broken God's laws. Therefore, we are all in need of God's forgiveness.
With this said, when it comes to breaking God's commandments, there's not that much difference between those in prison and those on the outside. Thankfully, we have a Savior who loves us (John 3:16-17 & John 15:13). He will restore and forgive us (2 Corinthians 5:17), even though we've done nothing to deserve it. All we have to do is ask.
D.B.
In the gospels, the Lord Jesus made it clear that He did not come to call the ones who thought themselves to be righteous and holy. Nor did He come to heal the healthy. In His own words, Jesus said, "Healthy people don't need a doctor - sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners" (Mark 2:17).
In Christ's eyes, the religious leaders got it all wrong. They mistakenly thought that by doing a lot of pious works and performing many good deeds, they would earn God's approval, and thus make themselves worthy of Heaven. But their pride deceived them, as the Scriptures do not teach that people can earn forgiveness through their own self-effort (Ephesians 2:8-9).
According to the Bible, all have sinned, and as a result have fallen short of God's perfect standards (Romans 3:23). Therefore, everyone is in need of forgiveness. And this is where Jesus comes in. When He came on the scene, He began to teach people about God. He taught them that Father God loves humanity and longs to have an intimate relationship with His creation. He wants us to have lives of peace, joy and hope.
For the masses, this was good news. And like the women who were prostitutes, or criminals, and all who were living broken and troubled lives, this was a dream come true. I could just visualize them looking at Jesus and asking questions such as, "Do you mean God truly loves me?" Or, "Mister Jesus, are you telling me that I can be forgiven for all my sins?"
For the first time, the common people were being told that God loves them and welcomes all to come to Him. That the Almighty has not rejected them. It was the prideful religious crowd who judged them as being "unclean," and therefore taught that they had no part in God's kingdom. Sadly, multitudes believed the lie that God wanted nothing to do with them. While the truth was that Father God wanted everything to do with them.
It's no different today. There are many who think themselves to be good enough for heaven. They pride themselves on being model citizens. And while they may not have broken the laws of the land, which is commendable, they have broken God's laws. And many times, at that! In fact, we all have broken God's laws. Therefore, we are all in need of God's forgiveness.
With this said, when it comes to breaking God's commandments, there's not that much difference between those in prison and those on the outside. Thankfully, we have a Savior who loves us (John 3:16-17 & John 15:13). He will restore and forgive us (2 Corinthians 5:17), even though we've done nothing to deserve it. All we have to do is ask.
D.B.
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