BEGGARS, OUTCASTES, AND DIGNITARIES

Matt.9:35,36 – Jesus was going through all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness. Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd.

One of the astonishing things about the life and ministry of Jesus is how He has such an appeal to all kinds of people. As you read the gospels you will find the sick and the destitute as well as the educated and affluent being drawn to Him. There is the woman who had been hemorrhaging for 12 years, spent all of her resources on doctors, and was living as a homeless vagabond. Then you have those like Nicodemus, the educated and the well connected being drawn to the Lord. Then somewhere in the middle of that mix was the woman caught in the act of adultery and the hated, yet affluent Zaccheus, all of these had the same basic need that could only be found in Christ. Here is how Andrea Tornielli describes the people coming to Christ.

“In these last few weeks of that winter, it had become evident how many people were following Jesus—how many beggars, how many sick people, how many “outcasts,” how many people considered “impure”; but also, how many people who were high up in society, how many dignitaries, men of the law, functionaries. A need, a hope, an expectation, simple curiosity, or even the fear of something new and uncontrollable that could upset the balance of power, were the motivations that moved people in his direction. The seed was being planted in every heart. The grace of that message combined with actions, looks, tenderness, and closeness, flowered wherever it found fertile soil. Often, that fertile soil was found in the least expected places—the places considered least expected by those who considered themselves to be already just, already perfect, already saved, those who were accustomed to look down on others.”

So what is it about Jesus that captured your attention? Maybe it was a health issue or a financial problem or even a breakdown in your marriage or family. Regardless who you are and what your circumstances are we all have this one thing in common, as Augustine said, “we are all restless until we find our rest in Him”. There is a place in His kingdom for you, I think He is calling for you to come to Him, He is the only one who can give you rest.