THERE IS SOMEONE WHO SINCERELY LIKES YOU

Let's check again Luke chapter 15. Another point in Luke chapter 15 that alludes to all the violations of the father, later on, is the first two verses, “1 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.

Yes, tax collectors and sinners are of the same category the status that no one would ever want to belong to. Who would want to be labeled as a sinner and be hated by people? But as sad as this is there are many of them labeled with these titles in the society where Jesus was living.

What Jesus was doing was just so frustrating for the teachers of the law. The teachers of the claim to know God better and they made an extra rule to even show yourself as holy as God. Holiness to them means rejection of all the unclean. Holiness means not going with sinners. Holiness means never touching a woman, a leper, and not minding beggars. Holiness to them is reverence in their presence. Holiness is classifying people into kinds. Holiness is only for men and not for women and shepherds.

However with Jesus? He loves to be with sinners and enjoy their sincere company. He touches the unclean and talks to women and shepherds. Jesus' holiness is in acceptance and inclusion not in exclusion.

Many times it is even harder for us to believe that Jesus is really like this. Many of us thought that Jesus is particular about your uncleanness and your sinfulness. When in fact that is what He is exactly was sent for to accept sinners back to His Father’s kingdom. Our picture of Jesus is like the teachers of the law.

Jesus is very far from the teachers of the law. Jesus welcomes sinners and eats with them. Jesus just wanted so much of us. When no one wanted you. He truly wants you even more.

When everybody has given up on you, Jesus wants more of you even more. Jesus welcomes everybody, even the Pharisees!

JESUS IS A FRIEND EVEN TO YOU.