GET IN THE PARTY!

BY PASTOR DALE OQUIST

THE WORD BECAME FLESH AND MADE HIS DWELLING AMONG US. WE HAVE SEEN HIS GLORY, THE GLORY OF THE ONE AND ONLY SON, WHO CAME FROM THE FATHER, FULL OF GRACE AND TRUTH.

JOHN 1:14 (NIV)

Being a tax collector was a precarious profession with physical, emotional, and spiritual ramifications. Those who chose this lifestyle did so because they valued wealth over relationships.

Not surprisingly, tax collectors were treated with contempt as traitors. Friends and family ostracized them because they would take more money than required and became wealthy on the backs of their neighbors. They were also not welcome to worship in the temple; their sins could not be forgiven through ritual sacrifice. This profession, according to the Jewish leaders, condemned them to hell. Reading through the Gospels, you’ll find a notable distinction given to tax collectors. It will say, “Tax collectors and other sinners.” All other sins were lumped together, while tax collectors were a class of their own.

While others rejected them, Jesus bent Himself toward them; one of Jesus’ 12 disciples, Matthew, was a former tax collector. His first act as a disciple was to invite Jesus to a party at his house with his tax collector friends. The Pharisees refused to go inside the party. They stayed outside because they didn’t want to be associated with that level of sinners. While Jesus was inside the party, He said, “It isn’t healthy people who need a doctor, but the sick.” Jesus went to Matthew’s house and spoke the truth about the spiritual condition of the tax collectors DIRECTLY TO THEM.

Just think of how Zacchaeus, also a tax collector, had a complete change of heart, abandoning his lifestyle simply because he spent time with Jesus.

To imitate Jesus, we must stop standing outside the party. Jesus loved them enough to go inside. Do you?

Now, we cannot act like them when we’re around them. This would not lead them to Jesus. But we are called to love and share Jesus, who is full of grace and truth. He will save them and help them change once we share His love. His mission was accomplished on the cross. Our mission is to make more disciples. So let’s head inside to the party!

Moving Forward

Who is your Zacchaeus? If you’re not actively leading someone to Jesus Christ, ask God to put someone far from Him in your path. If you have someone, pray that God will speak words of grace and truth through you.