One of the most beautiful aspects of Jesus’ ministry on earth is how He treated sinners. Instead of avoiding them, Jesus actually came to them, approached them, and even ate with them. This was very different from the view of many people at that time, especially the Pharisees who considered themselves righteous and looked down on sinners.
In Luke 19:5-7, we read the story of Zacchaeus, a tax collector who was regarded as a great sinner. When Jesus saw him up in a tree, He said, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” The people grumbled because Jesus entered the house of a sinner. But it was in that house that a great repentance took place. Zacchaeus repented, and his life was changed because of Jesus’ love that drew near.
Jesus was also known to eat with tax collectors and sinners. In Matthew 9:12-13 He said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.
So go and learn the meaning of this word: “I desire mercy, not sacrifice, for I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Jesus came precisely to seek the lost, not to avoid them.
This attitude of Jesus teaches us valuable lessons. First, love is greater than rejection. Many times people are quicker to judge than to embrace. But Jesus sees the potential behind a person’s weakness. Second, the presence of Jesus brings restoration, not compromise with sin. He does not justify wrongdoing, but with His love, He guides sinners to true repentance.
Another example is the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:7-26). Jesus did not avoid her even though society looked down on her. Instead, He spoke with her, revealed the truth, and eventually, she became a witness to her entire town. Encounters with Jesus always transform lives, not leave people bound in sin.
For us today, the example of Jesus is very relevant.
We are called to love, not to avoid. The world needs believers who dare to be present in the midst of darkness, bringing the light of Christ without fear. Let us not become like the Pharisees who are busy judging but fail to show love.
Jesus did not avoid sinners, and that is the reason why we can all be saved. For once we too were sinners loved by Him. Let us imitate His love by embracing others and bringing them to the grace of Christ.
Lord Jesus, thank You because You did not turn away from me when I was still living in sin. Instead, You came close and saved me. Help me to imitate Your love, to love others, and to be a witness who brings them closer to You. Amen.
