Jesus consorting with sinners

[JRKH]

Well - it seems I got to thinking again…

We’ve all seen the movie scene of the preacher entering a “den of iniquity” - bible in hand - and preaching fire and brimstone…

We’ve also read in Scripture of how Jesus was accused of consorting with sinners of one sort or another.

These two images got we wondering about Jesus’ approach to being at table with sinners…
Perhaps putting it in modern terms, walking through a red-light district - and stopping in a bar etc…

So far as I know the only time that Jesus is recorded as preaching “fire and brimstone” he was speaking to the religious leaders of the day…

I dunno…

Thoughts???

Peace
James

 

[ynotzap]

It was for sinners that Jesus came to redeem. And we are all sinners. Jesus seemed to remind the Pharasees, and Saducees more of punishment (even though He knew they were sinners) because they were the spiritual leaders and they should have known better. He called them hypocrits, appearing as holy but corrupt on the inside. He showed more mercy and compassion towards the humble sinner, the weak, and helpless. He also showed His preference for the poor verses the rich. He also cleared the temple of those who used it as a market place making His Fathers’ house a den of thieves. He also said that those who cause scandal, would be better off having a mill stone tied to their neck and drowned. Jesus did refer to Hell many times. But most of His approach was that of a merciful and loving Redeemer

 

[pianistclare]

It was for sinners that Jesus came to redeem. And we are all sinners. Jesus seemed to remind the Pharasees, and Saducees more of punishment (even though He knew they were sinners) because they were the spiritual leaders and they should have known better. He called them hypocrits, appearing as holy but corrupt on the inside. He showed more mercy and compassion towards the humble sinner, the weak, and helpless. He also showed His preference for the poor verses the rich. He also cleared the temple of those who used it as a market place making His Fathers’ house a den of thieves. He also said that those who cause scandal, would be better off having a mill stone tied to their neck and drowned. Jesus did refer to Hell many times. But most of His approach was that of a merciful and loving Redeemer

One doesn’t necessarily have to go through a red light district to find a sinner. Some are in our own neighborhoods.
Srsly though, good answer.

 

[JRKH]

My thinking was running more to how he might have interacted with the “sinners”.
It’s pretty well documented why and how he treated the Pharisees etc.

I see him acting in a more subdued manner when dining with those considered “unclean” by the hierarchy. Certainly sharing truth but in a gentler and more merciful way - not fire and brimstone and condemnation which is what they got from the Pharisees et al.

Peace
James

 

[Bob_Crowley]

My thinking was running more to how he might have interacted with the “sinners”.
It’s pretty well documented why and how he treated the Pharisees etc.

I see him acting in a more subdued manner when dining with those considered “unclean” by the hierarchy. Certainly sharing truth but in a gentler and more merciful way - not fire and brimstone and condemnation which is what they got from the Pharisees et al.

Peace
James

For Him to act in this way, He must have had an authority and charisma that we don’t have. I get the impression the sinners came to him.

Mark 2:15 NIV

While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him.

I can’t see too many tax collectors, sinners, prostitutes, bikies, drug pushers and Mafia hoodlums wanting to tag along to a dinner I was invited to, other than for a free feed. They sure wouldn’t be there because I was there.

There must have been something compelling about Him that drew these people to Him. Yet at the same time, Christ is the very same person who gave us the harshest warnings about judgment and eternal condemnation.

 

[JRKH]

For Him to act in this way, He must have had an authority and charisma that we don’t have. I get the impression the sinners came to him.

Mark 2:15 NIV

I can’t see too many tax collectors, sinners, prostitutes, bikies, drug pushers and Mafia hoodlums wanting to tag along to a dinner I was invited to, other than for a free feed. They sure wouldn’t be there because I was there.

There must have been something compelling about Him that drew these people to Him. Yet at the same time, Christ is the very same person who gave us the harshest warnings about judgment and eternal condemnation.

I think you are quite right. My guess is that such people were drawn to His merciful attitude, and word probably spread like wildfire once H chose Matthew the Tax collector as one of His inner circle.

Jesus obviously took a very different approach with those who were spiritually poor and/or marginalized in some way. He seems to have reserved "criticism for those who should have known better - the teachers.

Peace
James

 

[Sarcelle]

One doesn’t necessarily have to go through a red light district to find a sinner. Some are in our own neighborhoods.
Srsly though, good answer.

I just have to look in the mirror to find a sinner.

 

[ynotzap]

St. Mathew the Apostle was a tax collector and well educated. Tax collectors as I understand were despised people,not popular. Mathew climbed a tree to see Jesus among the crowd. Jesus was called the Messiah. Jesus acknowledged the presence of Mathew and bestowed dignity on him by stating He would dine with him. This acknowledgement was to Mathew a converting grace, an encounter with God. It changed Mathew forever

There was Mary Magdelene, a woman with seven devils, exorcised by Jesus. Again this event changed Mary forever. She anointed Jesus, used her hair to dry His feet, was true to Him at the foot of the cross, was the first to see Jesus at the tomb. Jesus said of her, that much had been forgiven her, and because of this she loved much. Another encounter with God

The good thief on the cross, next to Jesus. He had the humility to admit that he was receiving his just punishment, but acknowledged the innocence of Jesus. Turning to Him he said “Remember me when You come into your kingdom”, Jesus said “This day you shall be with me in Paradise.” Another life changing encounter. Jesus love was always forth-coming among sinners and those the Father calls and sends them to His Son and they accept Him, always receive that life changing encounter that changes them forever, the gift of the Holy Spirit Pray that the Father calls all of us sinners.