Hanging around Jesus and continually drawing closer to Him

 Shabbat Shalom from Kent, London - 04Apr2025

Reference Scripture: Lk15:1

A lot of men and women of questionable reputation were hanging around Jesus, listening intently.

Jesus Christ broken the traditional, religious barrier. HE has allowed access to HIM/ HIS Teachings to Tax farmers, Tax collectors, Publicans, outcasts, sinners, notorious people, bad or questionable reputation and dishonest men or women or both! They gathered around to hear Jesus. This action aggravated pharisees, the scribes and religious leaders as they were thinking this is not right and were not pleasing at all. Luke mentioned in his gospel edition that convicted people often came to listen to Jesus teach, approaching him, kept on coming close to Him- This demonstrates the desire and the new channel created for everyone to access Him.

A Big crowd of people, habitually came from everywhere to listen, hear, eat, drink and interacting with Him. A Great atmosphere. As we begin a new month, new quarter, Let us check the possibilities to get closer to Him. Let us not murmur, mutter like religious leader by finding fault in all things. Rather Let us approach Him Boldly.

Jesus responded to such negative viewers in this manner- It's not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners - Mk 2:15-17. 

Jesus is the master negotiator- He was highlighting the truth by referring the life of John to the opposition. For John came to religious leaders in the way of righteousness, and they did not believe him. But the tax collectors and prostitutes did. and even after they saw this, they did not repent and believe him- Mt 21:31-32

Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinner of whom I am the worst - Apostle Paul in 1 Tim 1:15

The scriptures teaching us clearly that Christ died for us while we were still sinners (Rom 5:8). As a shepherd looks for his scattered sheep when he is among the flock, so Jesus will look for His flock (Ez 34:11-16). For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the Lost (Lk 19:10). Hosea 6:6 says that the Lord desires Mercy, not Sacrifice. And the knowledge of God rather than Burnt offerings. 

Jesus told 3 stories to emphasis the search for the outcasts. The lost sheep, the lost coin and the lost son. A shepherd searched 1 lost sheep by leaving 99 at the wilderness. A woman searched/ swept the house carefully to find her lost 1 coin. The father waited for lost son, restored everything when the prodigal son returned. The Search/sweep continues until now, will continue further.

More Joy in Heaven over 1 who repents than over 99 righteous! There is joy in the presence of the angels of the God over 1 sinner who repents, changes inner self, changes the old way of thinking, regrets the past sin, lives his life in a way that proves repentance, seeks God's purpose for his life. Hallelujah!

Father God, help us to hang around you. We will keep on coming to get close to hear, listen and have the meaningful conversation. Help us to reach unreached as shepherd searched for the lost sheep diligently, woman swept her house by lighting a lamp and Father waited for his son to return. Help us to be diligent, consistent and loyal to the Kingdom and our eternal King. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Peace be Upon the State of the Israel and us. Shalom. Have a Great weekend.

In His Grip.