"Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach." When we stop and think about that, it's kind of startling. You would think that holy people would come listen to Jesus, and the sinners would be off sinning, right? But Jesus had harsh words for those who thought they were righteous. And His parables were full of mercy, love, and forgiveness for those who realized they were sinners.
That's a good lesson for us, isn't it? It keeps us humble. It reminds us that even when we walk close to Jesus, we're still sinners. It gives us hope that no matter how bad we mess things up, He still forgives us and brings us home again. And most of all, it teaches us how to treat others - especially those "notorious sinners" that church people tend to shun .... both today and in Jesus's time. Jesus loved sinners. So should we.
God, thanks for teaching us how to love sinners. Please help us focus on our own holiness (and fighting our own sins) and on loving other people more.
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