Friends. We need them. We need good ones. We need ones that can be counted on, and we need to be that kind of friend to others as well. Aren’t we thankful we have a good friend like Jesus? As we read through the gospels it doesn’t take long to realize how Jesus was a friend to the downcast and friendless. They needed a friend. However, some of the Jewish leaders were quite disturbed (Matthew 9:11) by some of the associations Jesus was drawn toward or to which He was open to their drawing near.
Matthew recorded. . .
“(18) For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ (19) The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.” (Matthew 11:18-19 ESV)
Why would Jesus become a “friend” to such? When some of the Pharisees stated their wonder regarding those with whom Jesus chose to eat, He replied. . .
“(12) But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. (13) Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”” (Matthew 9:12-13 ESV)
Yes, in Jesus’ actions wisdom was revealed. Though He was the one in the rightful position to condemn, He chose to be merciful while still directing away from sin. (i.e. John 8:1-11) On an occasion when Jesus was the invited guest in the home of a Pharisee, this host was shocked that He allowed a certain woman to even touch him; one who came in and began washing the Lord’s feet with her tears and drying them with her hair. However, Jesus told a parable to teach this Pharisee a lesson about forgiveness and love and then complimented this woman’s faith. (Luke 7:36-40)
What kind of friend are we to others who are in need of a good one? How closely do our actions toward others reflect the graciousness of our Lord? One way to reveal to Jesus how much we appreciate His friendship is to be that kind of friend to others. Such action reveals a sense of value in other’s lives and may be the very thing that will work to draw them to Jesus. May it remain so with us!
Have a great day ALLOWING CHRIST’S MERCY TO TOUCH THROUGH US!
Carl
