One of my favorite descriptions of Jesus, among so many, is that he is a "Friend of sinners."

His enemies, of course, meant it as an insult. And that was because Jesus was a friend of the most despicable kinds of sinners known in his day. They were drawn to him, and he was glad to spend time with them.

What do you think about that?

Dane Ortlund writes "The label is one of unspeakable comfort for those who know themselves to be sinners. That Jesus is a friend to sinners is only contemptible to those who feel themselves not to be in that category."

Zacchaeus: the Louis Depalma type character that was disliked by everybody. Jesus calls him by name and says "I'm coming to your house today."

The sinful woman who wipes the feet of Jesus with her tears. Simon the Pharisee takes it upon himself to warn Jesus about her and to express disapproval of her.

Matthew, the tax collector, hears the voice of Jesus calling, "Follow me." The traitorous tax collectors like Matthew were despised. Yet, he eagerly becomes a companion of Jesus.

On the heels of Matthew's conversion, Jesus is at a party filled with tax collectors; Matthew's friends, no doubt. The Pharisees are appalled.

When we read of the setting for the parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son of Luke 15, the chapter begins, noting "As the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to Jesus, the Pharisees and scribes grumbled that Jesus was receiving them to eat with them." And yet the three parables that Jesus speaks demonstrate clearly how God seeks out the lost, and how pleased the Lord is when sinners repent.

What can you and I learn as we read these accounts? When we add them together we see, with crystal clarity, that sinners were drawn to Jesus, and that Jesus gladly spent time with sinners who were touched by his life and ministry. We see that Jesus forgave repentant sinners, and that he embraced sinners who trusted in him. He loves them just as they are. And, wonderfully, as we have said so many times in our church, their lives are changed. "He loves you just as you are, but he loves you too much to leave you just as you are!"

What does this friend of sinners do for you and me? My favorite summary of the work of Christ comes from Isaiah 53:12 "Because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors."

Are you a sinner? He was "numbered" with you.

Are you a sinner? On the cross he bore your sins.

Are you a sinner? Quit pleading your own case and trust in his intercession: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."

Jesus is the best Friend for us sinners.

Musing’s from Pastor John, August 22, Click to Email Pastor John