Disreputable?

Later Jesus and his disciples were at home having supper with a collection of disreputable guests. Unlikely as it seems, more than a few of them had become followers. The religion scholars and Pharisees saw him keeping this kind of company and lit into his disciples: “What kind of example is this, acting cozy with the misfits?” Jesus, overhearing, shot back, “Who needs a doctor: the healthy or the sick? I’m here inviting the sin-sick, not the spiritually-fit.” (Mark 2:15-17)

Unlikely as it seems - that statement really says way more than we might initially think. We have a tendency to 'gloss over' some words that really 'set the stage' for what is about to be revealed. We cannot ever forget the 'company' Jesus kept, because not only was it a 'sticking point' for the religious leaders of the day, but it was a revelation of what was about to come - liberty, healing, hope, and restoration. Unlikely candidates for grace are oftentimes the most grateful for it! 

The sin-sick vs. the spiritually-fit - what a challenge that must have been for the 'religious leaders' who always shunned the sinful and elevated their own worth by being 'showy' about all their religious deeds and book-learning. The sin-sick needed help, but they did not find it in the religion of the leaders. In fact, they were often excluded from 'practicing' their religious customs because they were considered to be 'unclean'. Clean people don't need a bath - dirty ones do!

Cozy with the misfits - the crux of the matter is the company Jesus was keeping. He had healed a paralyzed man lowered on a mat through the roof of a house; healed the one with a disturbing spirit that kept the man in constant agony, tortured from the inside out; and opened his heart to those that were 'religious outcasts' of the day. This drew the 'negative attention' of the religious leaders who thought of these individuals as 'misfits' - not 'fit' to enter into the presence of a holy God. It is good news to know that misfits are welcomed at the table of the Lord!

Disreputable guests? Unlikely as it seems - they followed Jesus. We sometimes don't believe our life testimony speaks very loudly, but when others see something of Jesus in us, it draws them. They develop a curiosity about that which has so significantly changed our lives. Don't be afraid to reveal Jesus through your life - in actions and attitude. You never know how many 'misfit' and 'disreputable' will be drawn into his presence because you do! Just sayin!