Bible Reading: Matthew 9:11
The King James Version of Matthew 9:11 says, “And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his [Jesus’] disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?”
What in the world is a Publican?
When Jesus was on earth Publicans were Jews who collected taxes from other Jews for the Roman government. While they were at it, the Publicans cheated their fellow Jews out of extra money in order to line their own pockets. Publicans were greedy, lying, cheating traitors.
Other Jews ostracized the Publicans because they believed the Publicans were on the same level as thieves and murderers.
Jesus, on the other hand, made friends with the Publicans. He ate with them. He shared God’s plan with them. He even chose one Publican, Matthew, to be one of his twelve disciples – one of his closest friends and students. Jesus loved the Publicans without exception or condition.
Jesus loves us, too. He loved us before we loved Him, before we knew about His sacrifice on the cross. He loved us while we were still sinners.
Do you know someone who is unlovable?
I hope you will love that person now, just as he or she is, the way that Jesus loves you.
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
Prayer: Heavenly Father, open my heart and love to the “unlovable” just as You love me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.