When the Pharisees saw this, they asked [Jesus'] disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Matthew 9:11-13).
Our Father, You are a God of grace and mercy. We thank You that through Jesus Your Son the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people (Titus 2:11).
Father, thank You for Your all-inclusive love and grace. Thank You that Jesus loves even me. Thank You that You embraced tax collectors and sinners, because You have shown us ourselves in them.
Lord, every fault, every lack, every rough attribute in those You gathered around You represents so much of what is in us. You show us Your incredible love for us in the way You loved them.
You were patient with their lack of understanding. You answered their feeble questions. You forgave their "power plays". You corrected their pride. You instructed their ignorance. You washed their feet. O thank You for the love and the grace You sowed into the lives of those You knew to be so far from perfect.
Lord, we are as they were. We are Thomas who doubted You, Peter who denied You, Judas who betrayed You, the entire group who deserted You. We are guilty of all the faults and flaws and weaknesses we see in them. Pride, prejudice, lack of empathy, lack of courage. Yet, as You did then, You still shower Your love and grace over our own lives.
Keep us mindful that we have been forgiven much. Forbid, Lord, that we should be puffed up in ideas of our righteousness, refusing to "eat with tax collectors and sinners." Teach us how to connect with intention. Teach us the genuine love and compassion of Jesus. School our hearts in mercy.
I am so glad that our Father in Heav’n Tells of His love in the Book He has giv’n; Wonderful things in the Bible I see, This is the dearest, that Jesus loves me.
Refrain: I am so glad that Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me; I am so glad that Jesus loves me, Jesus loves even me.
If I forget Him and wander away, Still He doth love me wherever I stray; Back to His dear loving arms would I flee, When I remember that Jesus loves me.
Oh, if there’s only one song I can sing, When in His beauty I see the great King, This shall my song through eternity be, “Oh, what a wonder that Jesus loves me!”
Jesus loves me, and I know I love Him; Love brought Him down my poor soul to redeem; Yes, it was love made Him die on the tree; Oh, I am certain that Jesus loves me!
~Philip P. Bliss ~ 1870
Comments