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! Jesus came to seek and save all of us who are lost because God wanted us 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 be our friend, to save us, and to 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 by you. Thank you! Praise you! I pray in deep appreciation for all you have done and by the power of Jesus' name. Amen.
*
John 1:14-18;
Matthew 1:23;
Hebrews 1:1-3.
**
John 15:15;
Mark 3:33-34.
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