SINNERS ALL
I heard the story of Zacchaeus the tax collector in Sunday school when I was a child. In biblical times, tax collectors were very unpopular. They were labeled “sinners,” because they took from the poor, gave to the rich, and lined their own pockets while they were at it. One day, Jesus passed through Jericho, where Zacchaeus lived. Zacchaeus, who was small, climbed a tree to see Jesus as he passed by. When Jesus neared the tree, he called for Zacchaeus to come down, for he wanted to stay at his house. Those who saw this were upset that Jesus would choose to stay at the home of a sinner.
When I read this text, I thought of Reformation Lutheran Church. For five or six years, we have been exhorted by an outside activist group to excommunicate the “sinners” in our midst. They would have us deny the blessings of the Lord’s table to certain people who are, in their eyes, Big Sinners.
Just as Jesus did not allow others to tell him where to stay, we cannot allow others to dictate who is welcome into our church family and who is not. The Bible does not rate sins from bad to acceptable. Sins are sins, and we are ALL sinners. Fortunately for us, Jesus loves ALL sinners. God’s grace is given to each and every one of us. As Jesus made a place at his table in heaven for all who believe in him, so we must make a place at our table for those around us. We must open our hearts and our doors to everyone. We must teach them of God’s love, so they too may enjoy the love of Jesus that we experience every day.
Dear Lord, help us extend an invitation to our community members to join us at your heavenly table. Let us be an example of loving kindness and forgiveness to all our neighbors, just as you love and forgive us each day. I ask that you start in my heart today. Amen.
Sheryl Johnson
