Tax Collectors and Sinners!

For Friday, July 11, 2025:

Luke 15:1 NLT: “Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach.”

Tax collectors were considered the worst of the sinners, so much so that the Bible often speaks of “tax collectors and sinners,” giving them their own distinct category. Sinners had simply done something wrong, but tax collectors were working for the opposition, the bad guys! They were working FOR Rome, against the Hebrew people. Tax collectors were also known for taxing a little bit extra to line their own pockets. They were skimming, taking more from their Hebrew brothers than Rome required. Needless to say, tax collectors had abandoned their heritage in favor of the almighty dollar. (OK, denarius.)

Tax collectors knew they weren’t welcome in Synagogues, but many were still interested in God and religion, the way they had been raised. So when Jesus taught, they would stop and listen. Their presence angered the Pharisees. Even though Jesus wasn’t “their guy,” they wanted to maintain a certain majesty at religious gatherings, and including tax collectors wasn’t on the Pharisee agenda.

Jesus had previously stated, “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.” Therefore, tax collectors and sinners needed to hear what the Pharisees should have already known! (Mark 2:17)

This raises some tough questions. Does your Sunday church cater to those who already believe, or to the notorious sinners in your community? Look around; see who’s there. Hopefully you’ll see some from each group! Those hosting the meeting need to be welcoming to those just checking things out. We can gently make a case that following Jesus is the better way to live. Let everyone know that being a Christian can be exciting and fun. Tell your face! Love your neighbor, even if they don’t yet have Christian ethics. That’s what Jesus did!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Follow the Shepherd

For Friday, July 17, 2020.

Psalm 23:3a ESV: “He (the Lord) leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.”

When we became believers, we were adopted into the Holy Family. The Bible says we became children of God. Therefore we want our actions to reflect well upon the Kingdom. Simplified, stop doin’ all that bad stuff you used to do!

You don’t need to know HOW to walk a path of righteousness; you only need to know where the Shepherd is! Follow Jesus – do what he does. He’ll show you the green pastures, the still waters and the righteous path. God showed these things to David, and he will show them to you. Use the Good Shepherd as your spiritual guide.

Sidebar – I hate it when clergy do something bad, and it gets publicized. I want to say, “Get off my side! What you’re doing doesn’t reflect well on the church!” His “name’s sake” needs to be honored!

I used to see people wearing little bracelets inscribed WWJD – “What Would Jesus Do?” Run any situation through your “Jesus filter” – Is this good, right, fair, honest? Should we be doing this thing? WWJD? Remember, you’re representing the Holy Family now!

Blessings to all this week!

Pastor Norton

Jesus in the City Fellowship

3249 30th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406