In the time of Jesus, there were many who were considered “outcasts” or “undesirables”. They would include those with leprosy, tax collectors, and those with physical limitations. This would be those who they classified as “sinners”. The religious leaders believed that if a person suffered from certain physical ailments, it was a result of some sin committed.

When Jesus came on the scene preaching, teaching and healing, He reached out to these that were considered “outcasts”. He was not ashamed to be in their presence and to offer them hope. Mark 2:15 reveals to us a good example. It reads, “While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him.” He was not afraid to touch them nor to be touched by them. His philosophy can be found in verse 17 of this same chapter where He says, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

If we are called “followers of Jesus”, then we need to follow His example. We need to be willing to reach out to everyone, no matter their past or present situation.

We can’t fake this; it must be from the heart.

We must be like Jesus to the world God has placed us in.