Fellow Christians, In the Bible, Jesus ate w/the taxcollectors & sinners?

Question

Using the example in Matthew 9:9-12, what example does this show Christians on how we are to walk and talk towards unbelievers?

Answer 1

It is a perfect example of how we are to interact with unbelievers. It puts Christians in similar settings that Jesus was in, making us be an awesome example of who Jesus is in us. Those who are already christians, saved, or born again, already have this walk and talk, ( or so they should) but it those who have not excepted Jesus into their lives that need to be taught that there is another way. A Godly way. What is awesome about this type of situation is that, you don't have to preach to them, talk to them about until your blue in the face or force it on them in any way, but simply just LIVE the example, and others can "watch" and learn. Actions really do SPEAK a thousand words! Cool Question! Thanks.

Answer 2

Unfortunately, most Christians spend most of their time building and meeting in large luxurious buildings. Jesus never said to go and build big beautiful buildings so that you can meet in convenience and comfort in the lap of luxury. But, by the way most professing Christians act, you would think that this is exactly what Jesus said. Well it’s not. Christians are supposed to be out where the people are most of the time, sharing the Good News of the Gospel, sharing other truth from the Bible and defending the Christian faith. Instead they lock themselves inside four walls most of the time and play "church" taking their orders from some self-appointed church authoritarian, which is also a highly unbiblical practice (see Mark 10: 42-45, Matt 23: 8-12, etc.).

Answer 3

This is one of the reasons why I do not go to church. I may be mistaken but it seems to me that there are a lot of people in the church that look down at people for drinking or smoking. They talk about you like you are scum. They can kiss my ***. I am a Christian. I believe that Jesus died on the cross for my sins and that Jesus didn't come here to condemn the world but that thru him the world might be saved. If Christ didn't condemn the world then who do they think they are putting themselves above Christ and deciding that since Christ didn't condemn then we should. This is just another one of Man's imperfections that Jesus died for. I have very very strong faith in God. I believe in the teachings of the Bible but as far as the teachings of who knows how many different denominations.... I think I will stick with the examples of Christ in the Bible and not the examples of man.

Answer 4

Remember that in the Hellenic/Judeao world that Christ lived, tax collectors were the lowest level of society, much like the prostitutes and lepers. If we are to use this as an example of how we are to live in a world of unbelievers, then we should reject the 'holiness movement' and the legalistic constraints of many conservative churches. John Calvin was correct in stating that the world belongs to God, and everything in it. If this means that as a Christian I have actively homosexual friends, or go to a bar to 'talk about the meaning of life', I am fine with that. My 'testimony' is not harmed. In fact my testimony would be worthless if I was only concerned with the purity of my testimony, and even more worthless if my 'testimony' was not shared with those who need to hear it. However, one does need to be a strong Christian (NOT A KNOW-IT-ALL) to pull this off.

Answer 5

It all depends upon the context of our interactions with them. Undoubtedly Jesus also used those occasions to tell them about the Kingdom of Heaven and if you consider the stories about the woman who was caught in adultery or the man Jesus healed at the pool who had been crippled for 38 years, He told them to sin no more.

Jesus wasn't just having a partying good time with the sinners and tax collectors. He was on a mission from God just like we are supposed to be.

Answer 6

Be nice to IRS employees!!!! : )

1) Be a friend of sinners. After all, the Bible says that "All have sinned", so someone that everyone shuns like a murderer or pedophile is, in fact, no worse than you or me.

2) Don't be concerned when people look down on YOU for hanging out with those who they look down on.

3) "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick." Often those who realise they are sinful are the ones open to a way out. So the nature of such a relationship is one where you not only seek to hang out with a person, but seek to help them. This is living "in the world, but not of the world".

Peoples' critical words are often not constructive. In fact, feeling under condemnation is itself a way the devil keeps many people captive to sin. That condemnation is removed by Jesus' sacrifice and this sets us free of captivity to sin.

Answer 7

I am not a fellow christian anymore, too many people claim christianity gives them the right to judge and persecute others. However, Jesus was teaching all peoples to love one another and to respect our differences, He was a great man, yes a man, he lived on earth, and he died on earth. His teachings are often ignored or twisted to suit some human being's purpose or point.

Answer 8

It shows that We need to stop judging people. This means that seeing them as unblievers is not following the example Jesus gave us. Judge not, is all Jesus Ever said about judgment. We have become so used to judging that we don't even notice when we are doing it.

We often do the exact opposite of what He ask us to do and think that we are following his wishes for us. We need to pay closer attention to our actions.

Answer 9

As Christians we aren't supposed to live in our own little "bubble" but be an example in the world in which we live. We don't have to participate in the sin to be around the sinners. Wait, we are sinners too, aren't we?

Answer 10

Jesus was reaching out to the sinners and tax collectors and anyone who would be prepared to listen and pay attention to him. Jesus was not hanging out with unrepentant sinners but rather he was ministering to them about the kingdom.
Jehovah's Witnesses emulate Jesus in their ministry work.