Jesus is definitely not afraid to ruffle feathers and go against what is expected for someone who teaches and heals. We should do a better job at being bold witnesses of our faith in Jesus. Watching Jesus’ examples and how he lived his life can give us clues for how we should be interacting with others.
Jesus wasn’t afraid of what people might think. He knew his mission, and he proceeded with boldness. He not only healed, but he also forgave. We’re only two chapters into the gospel of Mark, and already we see frustrated religious leaders. They are so focused on the law that they can’t see God in their midst.
Reflect on the great faith it took for the paralyzed man to get his audience with Jesus. This story is also found in Matthew’s gospel. I love how “The Chosen” depicts this scene. You can watch here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlBOmQ1PaMY). Would you have been so bold in your faith to break into someone’s house? What stood out to you most from this story?
The other scene we have with Jesus in our reading today involves Matthew, the tax collector. In Jesus’ day, tax collectors were the enemy because they were Jews working for the Roman government, collecting money for the Romans. There was a lot of corruption in this business, and tax collectors were despised. Yet Jesus called one to be his disciple. That was a bold move to be sure.
What do we notice about that story? Matthew (known as Levi) followed Jesus without hesitation, just like the fishermen Jesus had already called. These followers listened to Jesus and did not question him. We can learn trust and respect from their actions.
Matthew also invited Jesus and the other disciples as dinner guests. Sharing a meal in those days was an honor and a time of great fellowship. Of course, Jesus boldly accepted the invitation, knowing full well how “appearances” would be questioned.
Jesus used this opportunity as a teachable moment. This line is one of my favorites. “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” Jesus wanted to attract the lost sinners and bring them “back” to faith.
We may be a little shocked at how the religious leaders so quickly dismissed the sinners, calling them “scum.” I was a bit offended, being a sinner myself. Granted, this word is noted in the translation to have been “tax collectors and sinners.” The intention of disgust can’t be denied. And yet Jesus boldly broke bread with them.
In my years of ministry, we would look for opportunities like this and call them “Matthew Parties,” but we were mixing non-believers with believers, because we are all sinners, and that distinction just doesn’t work.
Let yourself imagine yourself at dinner with Jesus and a gathering of friends and those who aren’t following Jesus. What would you talk about? Would you be welcoming to those outside the faith or would you be uncomfortable around them?
Sometimes people, whether they are believers or not, can be cruel and not very good at loving others. It takes boldness to be loving toward the unlovable or people who are different from us. The Bible tells us to love others, so why don’t we do a better job of showing that love for others?
How do these Bible examples from Jesus’ life encourage you to be bold in your faith journey? What changes are you going to make to look more like Jesus’ example and be loving?
Let’s pray. Lord Jesus, you are welcome in my life. I appreciate how boldly you acted, with such confidence and authority. May I be as quick to listen and follow you. Help me to close out the noise of the world that tries to distract me. I want to follow you all my days and help others find you. Guide my steps and open the doors before me. Help me be a better lover to those I don’t agree with or who have hurt me in some way. Shine your love through me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
