The Jesus Bible Reading PlanSample

TAX COLLECTORS AND SINNERS

Religion that leaves Jesus out of the equation teaches that people can do enough good to earn God’s love and acceptance. This kind of religion manipulates the system by putting God in your debt. Religious people have difficulty with Jesus because he challenges their understanding of God and salvation. Too often people believe they can earn their way to heaven, but Jesus came to save people who will never be good enough to save themselves. For people who think too highly of themselves, the free gift of salvation that Jesus offers is offensive. Tragically, people who think they are good enough don’t see any need for a Savior.

During Jesus’ ministry, the people who knew they had problems flocked to him: tax collectors, women of questionable character and others who saw their own desperate need. The religious leaders of his day didn’t understand how or why a good, moral religious teacher like Jesus could spend time with such bad people. But Jesus knew that all people, without exception, need saving. As a Good Shepherd, Jesus came to seek and to save the lost (Lk 19:10).

Jesus, thank you for rescuing me from the hopeless track of trying to earn salvation. Thank you for the free gift of grace, which I know I could never earn. Amen.