When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw [Jesus] eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked His disciples: "Why does He eat with tax collectors and sinners?" — Mark 2:16
Let’s start with this question: Why didn’t the teachers of the law eat with sinners? Why did they object?
I think they were afraid. Afraid of being contaminated, no doubt. But also, perhaps, afraid of being exposed. Once you remove the religious facade, was there any substance to their lives? Was there any real power to their message, apart from the ecclesiastical power that they found in the title "teacher"? And why were they afraid of being contaminated? Was it because they were afraid they might discover that these sinners had something better, more enticing, more delicious than what the teachers possessed?
It’s a strange paradox. The more Jesus accomplishes in us, the more comfortable we are with sinners. On one hand their behavior doesn’t shock us any more. On the other, it doesn’t tempt us either. We become comfortable with ourselves, secure in who we are in Christ. We find that we can listen to them without scrambling to shore up our own defenses.
I think it’s all part of God’s plan. Salt is useless while still in the shaker.
Be encouraged!
Dwight
Dwight Clough is the author of four Christian books and is an active member of Lake City Church in Madison. This devotional is also available via email and you may review the archives back to 2002. To contact Dwight or Kim, use their contact form. You may also support their ministry.