We saw last week how Jesus took on "big religion" and took authority over it. Now He takes on "big Religious people." The Pharisees attempted to paint Jesus as hanging out with the wrong crowd (Tax gatherers and sinners), eating the wrong things (not fasting) and then finally, not thinking the right things (old wineskins and new wine). In these verses Jesus confronts the problem with religion versus a real relationship with God through His Son Jesus.
Religious people are only empowered by people whom they can trap into believing that their system is the only way because it is theirs. Sinners and tax collectors do not follow any religion whatsoever. That is why they are called "sinners." Due to their lack of a moral compass, they have nothing to do with religion, but because they are made in the image of God, they are very valuable to God. Jesus prefers people who have no religion to those who live for religion because they are more open to receiving Him. The dangerous thing about religion is that it usually does not start with God, but starts with man and what man says about God. Jesus is revelation from God. He came to show us the way and those who do not listen do not wish to change. Irreligious people who are not interested in spiritual things are usually the ones that religious people are not interested in pursuing. As Christ followers, we are to seek the lost, not the ones who are found. That is why Jesus said He came to those who are "sick" and not the "well." The challenge for us is love the ones who are not interested in what we offer, and to love them because they do not "fit" in any religious affiliation. The Pharisees rejected Jesus because He did not play their games and conform into what they believed God to be: "their puppet." Jesus reminds us that He is calling us to a life on not mere religiosity but refreshing life to those who need a place to fit in.
Are you reaching out to those who need some direction today? Let's learn to love the way Jesus loved!
Peace,
Pastor Vince
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