Title: Jesus, the Savior of Sinners
Bible Passage: Luke 5:27-39
Today, we’re going to learn about Jesus and how He interacts with sinners. Let’s dive into the story and see what it teaches us about God’s love and grace.
1. Sitting and Walking: A Contrast
In today’s passage, there’s a big difference between sitting and walking. Levi, a tax collector, was sitting at his booth, stuck in his sinful life. But when Jesus called him, Levi stood up, left everything, and followed Jesus. This reminds me of Psalm 1:1-2:
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.”
Just like the psalm says, Jesus helps us get out of our sin and walk a new path with Him!
2. Judging vs. Saving Sinners
Back in Jesus’ time, people didn’t associate with tax collectors. Tax collectors like Levi worked for the Roman government, collecting money from their own people, which made them unpopular and labeled as sinners.
But Jesus didn’t avoid Levi. Instead, He called him to be His disciple. Imagine how surprising this must have been! Jesus didn’t judge Levi for his past—He offered him a chance to change.
3. A Feast vs. Fasting
Levi was so happy to follow Jesus that he hosted a big feast to celebrate his new life. But some religious leaders, called Pharisees, criticized Jesus. They said, “Why do your disciples eat and drink while others are fasting?”
Jesus explained with a simple example:
“When a bridegroom is present, the wedding guests celebrate. But when the bridegroom is gone, they will fast.”
Jesus was saying that there’s a time for joy and a time for seriousness. While Jesus was with His disciples, it was time to celebrate.
4. Old and New
Jesus also told a parable about old and new things:
- You can’t patch an old garment with new fabric.
- You can’t put new wine into old wineskins.
What did Jesus mean? He was showing that His message of love and forgiveness was new and couldn’t fit into the old ways of thinking, like the Pharisees’ rules and traditions.
5. Judgment vs. Mercy
The Pharisees thought they were righteous because they followed the rules. But instead of helping sinners, they judged and avoided them. Jesus, on the other hand, came to save sinners and give them a new life.
Let’s think about this:
- Is it better to point out someone’s mistakes or to help them change?
- Jesus teaches us that true righteousness comes from love and mercy, not just following rules.
6. What About Us?
Sometimes, we might think we’re better than others or judge them for their mistakes. But remember, we are all sinners saved by God’s grace. Romans 5:8 reminds us:
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Final Thoughts
Jesus showed us how to love and forgive, even when it’s hard. Let’s not be like the Pharisees who judged others. Instead, let’s follow Jesus’ example and share God’s love with everyone, especially those who feel lost or unworthy.
Let’s pray:
Dear God, thank You for loving us even when we were sinners. Help us to follow Jesus and share His love with others. Teach us to be kind, forgiving, and full of mercy. In Jesus’ name, In Jesus name Amen.
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