I like the famous quote from D. T. Niles, “Evangelism is just one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread.” The truth is, I’m not better than anyone else. Having discovered what Jesus offers, though, I do have something worth sharing.

 

Stepping In: READ IT

Read Matthew 9:1-38

 

Building Up: STUDY IT

Focus on Matthew 9:12-13

 

This wasn’t the only time Jesus ruffled the feathers of the Pharisees. In their disdain for Jesus one of the ways they tried to slam Him was to call him something unthinkable and disgusting. They would call Him, “a friend of sinners.” Bam!

 

However, Jesus would wear that phrase like a badge of honor, a reminder of His mission. Yes, He IS a friend of sinners just like me. The Pharisees thought people had to earn their way into God’s graciousness, but if that were the case, it wouldn’t really be GRACE.

 

Living Out: APPLY IT

 

Application questions (Is there a… 1. Sin to CONFESS 2. Promise to CLAIM 3. Attitude to CHANGE 4. Command to OBEY 5. Example to FOLLOW (or not) 6. Prayer to PRAY 7. Error to AVOID 8. Truth to BELIEVE 9. Something to PRAISE GOD FOR). 

 

The error to avoid here is that I can’t afford to be like the self-righteous, I’m better than you, Pharisees. I need to be more like Jesus. Somehow I’ve got to see those who may be far from God and whose lives may be filled with garbage through Jesus’ eyes. 

 

Dear Father, soften my heart for the hurting, sin-filled, rebellious person who even goes out of his/her way to curse you. What they need is not my reprimand and down-my-nose gaze from my self-imposed superiority. They need another chance like I do. They need grace like I do. They need love and forgiveness and a help up and understanding and acceptance and a smile…like I do. I’m no better than anyone. Knowing You and what you offer, I do have a lot to share, just no reason to condemn.