Matthew 11:19 When the Son of Man came, he ate and drank, and everyone said, ‘Look at this man! He is a glutton and wine drinker, a friend of tax collectors and other outcasts!’ God’s wisdom, however, is shown to be true by its results.”
Jesus got a lot of criticism for spending time with people no one else would associate with. We often make assumptions about people on the basis of their friendships, and we often quote the verse: “Bad company corrupts good morals,” to carefully choose our own close friends. How do you feel about the company Jesus kept? Would you have been critical? Why or why not? Have you ever hesitated to befriend someone (or identify with a group)? What was it that made you hesitate (or makes you hesitate now)? Reflect on Jesus’ last statement in the verse about God’s wisdom. What do you think it means?
Prayer: Friend of outcasts, I am so often controlled by what others think that I reject those people who are considered “sinners.” Yet you demonstrated a willingness to cross the “acceptable” and “respectable” boundaries to befriend the suspected and rejected. I want to be like you, Jesus, I want to be liberated from my own fears of rejection so I can be open and affirming of others that are different from me. Give me courage to cross the boundaries so I can hang out with you and those you love. Grant me the willingness to risk rejection so that I may hear your affirmation and experience the fullness of your love that includes a sinner like me. Amen.
Tongue on Fire 