"Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming to hear him. But the Pharisees and the experts in the law were complaining, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” Luke 15:1-2
When you are in leadership as Jesus was it is not unusual to be criticized. It goes with the territory.
To some degree, the sort of criticism you receive can be indicative of how you lead and can dicative also be of who you are leading. Some criticism is unfair and unfounded but some is right on the money!
In this situation, the criticism leveled against Jesus was entirely accurate though done in a mean spirit. Their attempts to discredit the ministry of Jesus actually defined his ministry, and at the same time, betrayed their complete misunderstanding of Jesus. They were about religion, He was about relationship. They were about reputation. He was about redemption. They were about self-righteousness. Jesus was about salvation.
“This man welcomes sinners and eats with them" was the complaint they made against Him! Jesus' response was, "EXACTLY!" And He could have continued, "Why don't you?"
As usual for the Pharisees, in their attempts to indict Him they succeeded in exposing their selves.
If I am going to be criticized, and I will be, one of the criticisms I will welcome is, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them."
I would be very encouraged if sinners were coming to hear me preach and teach!
I hope it will be said of FredWes, "They welcome sinners and fellowships with them."
Even if that allegation is made as a criticism I would receive it as a compliment!
What about you?
What about you?
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