REINHARD BONNKE-WORD OF GOD

Jesus shocked religious leaders when he blessed rank sinners. They considered that those people were cursed, not knowing or observing Moses’ law and religious traditions; they wanted nothing to do with them. Jesus’ approach was to befriend them. He said, “The good news is preached to the poor” (Luke 7:22). That was revolutionary! To the religious perfectionists the poor were untouchable, but Jesus preached to them, loved them, forgave them and healed them. Saving that rogue called Zacchaeus had a cost for Jesus – his reputation. Zacchaeus worked for the occupying power of hated Rome and the people saw Jesus connect with him. It damaged Jesus’ popularity. His foes would make much of it. His reply may have cut little ice with those impervious critics but it uncovered the truth about the character of Christ: “The Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” That sums up Jesus, our Lord. If it sums up any of us, it simply shows that we are following His example. It is not reputation we seek, but renewed lives. God bless you richly. REINHARD BONNKE