THE HEART OF JESUS: Friend of Sinners

The heart of Jesus scandalized the religious crowd. Why? Because He drew near to the messy, the broken, and the left out. He didn’t shy away from them, instead, He shared meals with them. 48% of Jesus’ ministry happened in homes and at the dinner table. Think about that. Half of Jesus’ ministry was built on relationships. Getting to know someone, then introducing life transformation. His approach of connection was not affirmation. Jesus didn’t champion people’s sin, instead he championed who they were created to be - a child of the Lord Most High.

He also didn’t live in a Christian bubble. He didn’t live in a silo with only church members from his local synagogue. He constantly went out to the world at large engaging with people who didn’t look like Him, talk like Him, vote like Him, or even believe like Him. Yet, by His love people were transformed and brought from darkness into His marvelous light.

Jesus is a friend who comes close when others walk away. He comes into your house, sits at your table, and not because you have it all together, but because He does. Then He says “I have a table prepared for you that is far better than anything you have experienced or can imagine. Come join me.” The uniqueness of Jesus is that he is radically inclusive (EVERYONE is welcome to the table) and radically exclusive (NOBODY gets to heaven except through Him).

He is equally love and truth. It’s the love of Jesus that says come as you are. In your mess, pain, and brokenness - it doesn’t matter. Just come. And it’s the truth of Jesus that loves you too much to let you stay as you are. And it’s a life-long process. We will never graduate Christianity until we get to Heaven.

Until then, it is a journey of active, continuous learning and pursuing God. Sometimes you will come across certain Christians who are all truth and no love, and they lack space for compassion for others and become legalistic. Legalism is not a fruit of the spirit, but patience and kindness are. Jesus was patient and kind to those who were struggling with sin and on the journey of faith, and we should be as well. Not just with others, but even with ourselves. We’re all still kids in our faith trying to figure it out.

2026 is my 14th year of following Jesus. July 18th, 2012 was the day my life and eternity was changed forever. I’ve learned so much, experienced so much, and have seen the Lord move in ways beyond explanation. This devotional offers some insight into these 14 years. I remember my first years as a believer, and how much of a goofball I was. I was a typical girl crazy, disrespectful 15-year-old boy and I thank God I had mentors and leaders who led me where I was at, not where they were. They were patient and kind with me yet also challenged me to grow. They called me out when I was out of line but also called me higher. Christ does the same with us.

FOUNDATION PROMPTS:

• Do you believe Jesus wants to be near you, even in your struggles?

• How do you treat people who may live or sin differently than you?

• Are you giving yourself grace when you sin?