Jesus and the Outcasts of the World

"The things that we love tell us what we are."  - Thomas Aquinas

Many societal changes have taken place over the centuries since Jesus' time. Of course, we'd like to think that we are better off today than those of earlier days, and, in many respects, we are. But there are some things that haven't really changed at all, especially when it comes to the way we relate to, or see others.

One of these is our perception of, and relations with, "social outcasts;" or those who don't fit inside the confines of what we consider the norm. Webster's Dictionary defines an outcast as one who is cast out or expelled; an exile; one driven from home, society, or country; hence, often, a degraded person.

In our present time, the sick, the homeless, substance abusers, criminals, prostitutes, even our forgotten senior citizens, to name but a few, are seen as "social outcasts." During the time of Christ, tax collectors and lepers would have been added to the list. But before we let self-righteousness take over, we should consider this.

The Bible makes good use of social outcasts to point out our own faults and imperfections. Some of the better known examples are: the adulterous woman (John 8:1-11); Levi, the tax collector (Mark 2:13-17); the leper (Mark 1:40-45); the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:5-32).

We can all stand to learn something from this. If Jesus accepted all of these people, flaws and all, then who are we not to follow his example (Ecclesiastes 7:20; Job 15:14; Romans 3:23; Psalm 143:2)? It is disheartening and distressing to see such blatant violations of everything Jesus taught us going on in the world.

1 Peter 2:11 and 1 Chronicles 29:15 tells us that we are all foreigners and exiles here on earth. In essence, we are all "outcasts." Nothing can change this fact. We are all gathered together in one basket. A big basket of outcasts, not one of us better than the other. 

But, Jesus saw every one as an individual, and not who they were. what they did, or where they came from. Nor did he let their social status or cultural norms guide his relationships with people. Jesus rose above all of this. He was not above associating with the outcasts of society. 

Our Lord spoke truth to sinners and loved them. He offered them hope, based on their repentance and faith in Himself (Mark 1:15). This includes all of us, too! In Jesus' eyes there is no us and them. He sees all of his children in the same loving, accepting, and unconditional light. We have been given the example. There is no excuse.

Scripture: Galatians 5:14; Luke 19:10; Ephesians 4:32; Exodus 22:21; Acts 10:34-35   

Prayer: Dear Lord, I pray for patience and tolerance; show how me how to be kind and generous to everyone; let me serve as an example to others, amen.

Have a blessed day!

Genevieve