The Jewish people had many expectations for the coming Messiah. Most notably, they expected a military leader who would help free them from Roman rule. They certainly did not expect the coming Messiah to take part in attending parties, such as weddings, and eating and drinking among the most unexpected people. Yet, that is exactly what Jesus did. He attended a wedding and shared meals with those considered to be "sinners."
Jesus talked about people’s view of Him in Matthew 11. Before He talked about people’s view of Him in this passage of Scripture, He talked about John the Baptist, who was in prison at the time. Jesus explained to a crowd that John was "more than a prophet" and had come to prepare the way for Him (verses 9-10). He said to the crowd, "John didn't spend his time eating and drinking, and you say, 'He's possessed by a demon'" (verse 18). People were judging John for his lifestyle, which was solely dedicated to preparing the way for Jesus, the Messiah. Jesus continued teaching the crowd, now addressing what people were saying about Him. He said, "The Son of Man, on the other hand, feasts and drinks, and you say, 'He is a glutton and drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!'" (verse 19). The majority of the people during Jesus' day, especially the religious leaders, did not understand why He spent time with sinners, tax collectors, and others who were considered outcasts. They did not understand that Jesus came to save all sinners, which is why He spent time with tax collectors and sinners.
Just like Jesus spent time and lived life alongside those who were considered outcasts and sinners, we, too, are called to spend time with and reach out to those who are lost without the hope of Christ. After all, it is by spending time with them and forming strong relationships with others that we have the opportunity to share the hope of Christ with them.
Jesus’ attitude of celebrating with people and sharing meals with people serves as an example for us. If we want to have an impact on those around us, we must spend time with them, sharing life with them. The more we invest in those around us, the greater the impact for Christ that we will have. What steps can you take to follow Jesus' example of celebrating and sharing meals with people today? Maybe you can invite a coworker who does not know Christ to get coffee this weekend, invite someone to one of our weekend services, or strike up more conversations at your child’s soccer practice. Whatever you decide, commit to taking that step today!
1When Jesus had finished giving these instructions to his twelve disciples, he went out to teach and preach in towns throughout the region.
2 John the Baptist, who was in prison, heard about all the things the Messiah was doing. So he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, 3 “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?”
4 Jesus told them, “Go back to John and tell him what you have heard and seen— 5 the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.” 6 And he added, “God blesses those who do not fall away because of me.”
7 As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began talking about him to the crowds. “What kind of man did you go into the wilderness to see? Was he a weak reed, swayed by every breath of wind? 8 Or were you expecting to see a man dressed in expensive clothes? No, people with expensive clothes live in palaces. 9 Were you looking for a prophet? Yes, and he is more than a prophet. 10 John is the man to whom the Scriptures refer when they say,
‘Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
and he will prepare your way before you.’
11 “I tell you the truth, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he is! 12 And from the time John the Baptist began preaching until now, the Kingdom of Heaven has been forcefully advancing, and violent people are attacking it. 13 For before John came, all the prophets and the law of Moses looked forward to this present time. 14 And if you are willing to accept what I say, he is Elijah, the one the prophets said would come. 15 Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!
16 “To what can I compare this generation? It is like children playing a game in the public square. They complain to their friends,
17 ‘We played wedding songs,
and you didn’t dance,
so we played funeral songs,
and you didn’t mourn.’
18 For John didn’t spend his time eating and drinking, and you say, ‘He’s possessed by a demon.’
