This Man Receives Sinners
Jan 3, 2015 1867
By Desmond Ford
We need to look at the one who came from above and called himself the Son of Man that he might be brother to all, male and female, black and white, young and old.
What did Jesus say about life? What did he say about you and me? You remember on one occasion when he was dining with publicans and sinners (Lk 15), the self-righteous religious people of the day said, “Look at this man; he’s dining with publicans and sinners. This man receives sinners.” The good news unlimited is just that: This man receives sinners.
When they accused him of receiving sinners; Jesus’ reply was “Guilty.” That’s the only thing Christ ever said he was guilty about.
It does not matter who you are, my brother, my sister. It does not matter how many times you’ve failed. It does not matter how many mistakes you’ve made. It does not matter how weak you feel, how foolish you’ve been- this man, Christ, receives sinners.
To know that we are loved, despite our failures; to know that it is true that whosoever will (that’s you, that’s me, that’s every failure) by believing might not perish, but have everlasting life-to know that, my friends, turns life into a melody. It brings heaven down here. It means that every good dream is possible of fulfilment.
Listen to him today. He is saying to you, “Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. He that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men. I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.”
Believe it today and you will know who you are, and life will become a song.
– Des Ford. Rom 8:27–32 (From “When Nonsense Makes Sense”)
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