Jesus Ate with Sinners
Every Gospel account attests the Pharisees complained that Jesus ate with sinners, prostitutes and tax collectors. They considered people to be sinners if they did not keep the laws of purity originally intended only for the priesthood. The prostitutes were sexually immoral women. In the gospel of John, the story of the woman taken in adultery shows the Pharisees were less concerned about men’s sexual immorality since only the woman was brought for judgment. The tax collectors were generally unpopular because no one likes to pay taxes, but in first-century Palestine, they were especially unpopular because they enriched themselves at the expense of other Jews. But worst of all, they were Jewish collaborators with the occupying power, Rome.
Jesus’ hanging out with sinners took on a greater meaning for me during a recent day of prison ministry. In the morning, I went to visit with the inmate I see regularly at SOU (Special Offenders Unit) which is reserved for inmates with more than one mental illness. Even though I arrived early, I just missed him. He went to a Christmas party. After I got permission from the shift lieutenant, I went in and sat with him at his table. Four inmates sat at each small table but for some reason my friend’s table had an extra chair. Although all of the staff sat apart from the inmates, I sat with them. The inmates offered me water, popcorn and candy and were happy to see me.
Inmates sang songs with the aid of a karaoke machine. Even though leaders encouraged participation, there were dead spots when no one volunteered. I made a decision to participate and helped an inmate sing U2’s "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For.”
The Spirt encouraged me with this party since for me it reflected the true meaning of Christmas. Jesus came to befriend sinners and ultimately save them. Angels announced his birth to shepherds whom the Pharisees considered unclean since they took care of sheep on the Sabbath. Jesus always loves us and God never tires of giving us second chances. Thank you for your support that allows me to offer God’s second chances to inmates.
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