JESUS & SCUM

Photo credit: Wooden Earth Ltd.

I have been studying Mark 2 this week. I find the Living Bible’s translation of Mark quite interesting. Jesus, as Mark 2:16 points out, ‘hung out’ with all kinds of people on the social ladder. He was a friend to those at the top of the ladder – the religious leaders, as well as those at the bottom of the ladder – the scum.

Actually, the Living Bible is a paraphrase, not a translation.  The more accurate translation for “scum” is literally, “tax collectors and sinners.”

In Jesus’ day, sharing a meal around a table indicated deep intimacy – a close relationship. To break bread with someone meant sharing one another’s life. You did not just have anyone over for dinner, only family and close friends. The religious leaders, who were committed to obeying the letter of the law and who kept to the highest standards of ritual purity, would never eat with people who were unclean. As a result, they expected Jesus to be like them. They assumed He would keep His distance from the people who had questionable backgrounds, lest they compromise His cleanliness.

Jesus ate with “scum” because he didn’t see people as clean or dirty, nor was He concerned about preserving an appearance of being religious. He ate with the unclean, the sinners, because He knew they needed His help; those are the very people He came to save. (Luke 5:32)

This story challenges me to ask what my own attitudes and behaviors are toward people. Am I more concerned about what people think of me than I am about the needs of people? Am I willing to get my hands dirty by entering into a relationship with people who aren’t as neat and tidy as I am? Am I more like Jesus? Or the religious leaders?

What about you?

PATRICK LAI and his family have worked in SE Asia for other 37 years. His experience in doing business with Jesus has brought him to understand the meaning of work and worship in the marketplace. He started 14 businesses in four countries, six of which are still operating. Patrick and his wife, May, mentor and coach businesspeople working where there are few or no Christians. Check out Patrick’s latest book, Workship, now available in paperback and e-book.