Jesus' opponents said that he was
"a friend of tax collectors and sinners" (
Luke 7:34). Of all the things people called Jesus, I believe that was one of his favorites. Come to think of it, I believe it's my favorite, too! He came to seek and save all of us who were lost because God wanted to find salvation in Jesus (
John 3:16-17). He did this when we were
"powerless," "ungodly," "sinners," and
"God's enemies" (
Romans 5:6,
8,
10). So, let's praise God that Jesus is not only
"a friend of tax collectors and sinners,", but he also came to save us and bring us back to God (
Romans 5:10;
2 Corinthians 5:20),
Almighty God, while I know you hate sin and the havoc it creates in our lives, I am so thankful that when you came to earth as Jesus, Immanuel, God with us,* you were not our judge but our Savior. You came to make us your friends and family.** I promise to live today more aware of your love for the lost because I know what it means to be found. Thank you! Praise you! I pray in deep appreciation for all you have done and by the power of your name. Amen.
*
John 1:14-18;
Matthew 1:23;
Hebrews 1:1-3.
**
John 15:15;
Mark 3:33-34.
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