Matthew invited Jesus and Jesus’ friends to dinner. Mark said Jesus’ friends included, “many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. (There were many people of this kind among Jesus’ followers.)”
The Pharisees asked Jesus’ disciples, “Why does he eat with such scum?”
That incident reminded me of a passage in Brennan Manning’s memoir, All is Grace. Brennan is the author of books such as, The Ragamuffin Gospel and Abba’s Child, and he has had a profound influence on my understanding of God’s grace, Brennan has struggled with an addiction to alcohol most of his adult life. He was asked how it was possible that someone who has had such powerful encounters with God’s grace could relapse.
His response was simple; “These things happen.”
Brennan reminds me the most difficult part of being a follower of Jesus is remembering that God loves us unconditionally, just as we are; not as we should be. Because no one is as they should be.
It is so much easier to accept grace than it is to extend grace. As for me, I am so thankful to be included among the scum dining with Jesus, and may I never forget it.
What does today’s reading
reveal to you about God?
What does it reveal to you about yourself?
Think about what God wants you to do
or remember about this passage.
Does God want you to change
anything in your life?
23-Oct-11 Mark 2:18-3:12
No comments:
Post a Comment