Summary: I’m sure you’ve seen it all before. A so-called “terrible person” is saved by grace, and the commentary kicks in: “That couldn’t possibly be true.” “There’s no way HE could be a Christian now.” “I don’t buy it.” The religious cynics don’t take long to make their analysis. And you know, those cynics have always been around and they will always be around. In the book of Luke, we read the story of Jesus’ friendship with the tax collector Zacchaeus. When he first called Zacchaeus by name, Luke says, “All the people saw this and began to mutter, ‘He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.’” That is such a dangerous way of thinking, isn’t it? When we begin to question who Jesus is befriending? When we think God’s grace should only come to certain people? Who are we to determine who is and isn’t deserving of grace? None of us deserve God’s grace- that’s what makes it beautiful! That’s what makes it Good News! So don’t grumble when God befriends someone you might classify as the “worst of the worst”. Rejoice! God is working in powerful ways! This week, instead of grumbling about what God is doing, let’s be like Jesus, and befriend sinners to introduce them to Jesus Christ. You’ll never regret it!
