Are You Hanging Out With Tax Collectors?

In the second chapter of the book of Mark, we find the story of Jesus eating with the tax collectors at Levi’s house. The Pharisees were appalled that such a “religious man” would be found among sinners and tax collectors.

Don’t we get the same response today? What if you are called to minister to someone who frequents bars. What if you are caught coming out of a bar by the modern day “religious community”? Isn’t there an opportunity for judgment? Don’t you wonder if people will talk?

Jesus is very clear with his answer to their criticism. He tells them in verse 17, “Those who are well don’t need a doctor, but the sick do need one. I didn’t come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

If Jesus was called to sinners, so are we. He was sent to them and He sent US to them. How are we supposed to reach them if we don’t send time with them? If we don’t go where the lost are because we are afraid of what people will think, how will they ever hear the Good News?

Who do you spend most of your time with? The people who are already saved or those who desperately need to hear the gospel?

Do you spend time with tax collectors? Jesus did.