Jesus modeled approachability by welcoming people from all walks of life. The Bible encourages believers to be open, kind, and ready to serve others. Today, we’ll explore how Scripture teaches us to reflect God’s love through our interactions and attitudes.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Appreciation Of Life
What Does The Bible Say About Approachability
Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
These verses reveal Jesus’ approachability and his invitation to all who are weary and burdened. He promises to give rest to those who come to him and learn from him. By highlighting his gentle and humble nature, Jesus puts forth the message that he is accessible to everyone and offers relief and peace for troubled hearts.
Jesus’ mention of his easy yoke and light burden acknowledges that following him is not meant to be a heavy or burdensome task. It conveys his desire for a close relationship with his followers, emphasizing his loving and compassionate nature.
Luke 18:15-17
“People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.””
This passage showcases Jesus’ approachability towards children. Despite his disciples’ initial resistance, he lovingly calls the children to him, welcoming them into his presence. The statement that the Kingdom of God belongs to those who have childlike faith highlights the importance of humility, trust, and innocence in approaching Jesus.
These verses teach us that Jesus is not only accessible to adults but desires a relationship with children as well. They remind us of Jesus’ gentle and inclusive nature, showing that no one is insignificant in his eyes and that all are invited to come to him.
Matthew 9:10-13
“While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
This passage portrays Jesus’ approachability towards tax collectors and sinners. Instead of avoiding them or judging them, Jesus willingly dines with them, showing his desire to reach out to those who are spiritually in need. His response to the Pharisees’ questioning emphasizes his mission to offer mercy and forgiveness to sinners, demonstrating his compassion and willingness to meet people where they are.
These verses challenge us to examine our own attitudes towards those who may be considered outcasts or unworthy. They remind us that Jesus came for the broken and the lost, and as his followers, we are called to extend his love and acceptance to all, regardless of their past or present circumstances.
Mark 5:24-34
“So Jesus went with him. A large crowd followed and pressed around him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better, she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, ‘If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.’ Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, ‘Who touched my clothes?’ ‘You see the people crowding against you,’ his disciples answered, ‘and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?’’ But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.’”
This story illustrates Jesus’ approachability and compassion towards an unclean and desperate woman. Despite being surrounded by a crowd, Jesus perceives the power that had gone out from him when the woman touches his cloak. He takes the time to engage with her, acknowledging her faith and granting her healing and freedom from suffering.
These verses remind us that Jesus is attentive to our needs, no matter how insignificant they may seem to others. They reveal his willingness to pause and address individual concerns, showing us that he is accessible and cares deeply about each person’s well-being.
John 4:4-26
“Now he had to go through Samaria. So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon. When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, ‘Will you give me a drink?’ (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, ‘You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?’ (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) Jesus answered her, ‘If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.’… The woman said to him, ‘Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.’ He told her, ‘Go, call your husband and come back.’ ‘I have no husband,’ she replied. Jesus said to her, ‘You are right when you say you have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.’… Then Jesus declared, ‘I, the one speaking to you—I am he.’”
This encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well demonstrates Jesus’ approachability across cultural and social boundaries. Despite societal norms and prejudices, Jesus initiates a conversation with her, revealing his knowledge about her personal life. He offers her the gift of living water, engaging her in a thought-provoking dialogue about spiritual matters and ultimately revealing himself as the Messiah.
This passage teaches us that Jesus breaks down barriers and seeks to connect with individuals, regardless of their background or status. It emphasizes his desire to offer eternal life and satisfy the deepest thirst in our souls. It also serves as an example for us to approach others with love and grace, without allowing prejudices or societal norms to hinder our interactions.
Mark 10:13-16
“People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.”
These verses demonstrate Jesus’ approachability towards children and his rebuke of the disciples’ attempt to hinder them. Jesus emphasizes the importance of childlike faith in entering the kingdom of God and demonstrates his love for children by taking them in his arms, blessing them, and affirming their place in his kingdom.
This passage reminds us of the significance of childlike trust and innocence in our relationship with Jesus. It challenges us to embrace a humble and dependent posture, fully trusting in God’s love and provision. It also calls us to adopt an approachable attitude towards children, valuing and nurturing their faith as they grow in their understanding of God.
Matthew 18:10-14
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven. What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.”
In these verses, Jesus emphasizes the value and significance of every individual, specifically referring to children. He warns against despising them and highlights the watchful care of their angels in heaven. Using the metaphor of a shepherd and his lost sheep, Jesus illustrates God’s deep love and concern for every person, especially those who have strayed.
This passage teaches us to recognize the importance of nurturing and protecting those who may be vulnerable or marginalized, including children. It reminds us of our responsibility to seek out the lost and offer them the love and grace of God, just as Jesus did. It also reassures us of God’s relentless pursuit of those who are lost, affirming his desire for all to be saved and experience his eternal love.
Luke 15:11-32
“Jesus continued: ‘There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, “Father, give me my share of the estate.” So, he divided his property between them. Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So, he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.… But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet… Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”
The parable of the prodigal son portrays the story of a father’s approachability and unconditional love. Despite his younger son’s rebelliousness and squandering of his inheritance, the father eagerly embraces and forgives him upon his return. The father’s response reveals a compassionate heart and a desire for reconciliation.
This parable serves as a powerful reminder of God’s grace and forgiveness. It demonstrates the approachability of our heavenly Father, who eagerly awaits the return of those who have wandered away and warmly receives them with open arms. It challenges us to extend the same love and forgiveness to others, showing kindness and compassion towards those who may have made mistakes or strayed from the path.
Matthew 5:1-12
“Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. He said: ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.’”
These verses, known as the Beatitudes, reflect Jesus’ teachings on the qualities and attitudes that are blessed by God. They reveal Jesus’ approachability towards those who are spiritually poor, mourning, meek, hungry for righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers, and persecuted for their faith.
The Beatitudes challenge our understanding of what it means to be blessed. They highlight the counter-cultural values of God’s kingdom and remind us of Jesus’ approachability towards those who may be overlooked or marginalized. They call us to exhibit these qualities in our own lives, shaping our interactions with others and reflecting the character of Christ.
John 21:1-14
“Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee. It happened this way: Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. ‘I’m going out to fish,’ Simon Peter told them, and they said, ‘We’ll go with you.’ So, they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. He called out to them, ‘Friends, haven’t you any fish?’‘No,’ they answered. He said, ‘Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.’ When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, ‘It is the Lord!’ As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, ‘It is the Lord,’ he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.”
This post-resurrection appearance of Jesus to his disciples highlights his approachability and care for their needs. Jesus, although unrecognizable at first, provides specific instructions that result in a miraculous catch of fish. His provision and the subsequent meal he prepares for them demonstrate his attentive love and desire to provide for his followers.
These verses remind us that Jesus is not only concerned about our spiritual well-being but also about our physical needs. They reveal his approachability in even the everyday aspects of life. This account calls us to trust in Jesus’ provision and encourages us to seek his guidance in every area of our lives, knowing that he cares for us in every way.
Matthew 20:29-34
“As Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, ‘Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!’ The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, ‘Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!’ Jesus stopped and called them. ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ he asked. ‘Lord,’ they answered, ‘we want our sight.’ Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.”
These verses portray Jesus’ approachability and compassion towards two blind men who cry out for healing. Despite the rebuke of the crowd, Jesus responds to their persistent pleas and asks what specific help they need. In his mercy, he touches their eyes and grants them the gift of sight.
This account demonstrates Jesus’ willingness to respond to the cries of those in need and his compassion towards their circumstances. It encourages us to approach Jesus with our own needs, knowing that he hears and cares for us deeply. It also challenges us to be advocates for those who may be marginalized or ignored in society.
Matthew 8:1-4
“When Jesus came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, ‘Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.’ Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. ‘I am willing,’ he said. ‘Be clean!’ Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy. Then Jesus said to him, ‘See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.’”
This encounter between Jesus and a man with leprosy illustrates Jesus’ approachability and compassion towards those suffering from a highly stigmatized and isolating illness. Despite the cultural norms and potential contamination associated with leprosy, Jesus reaches out and touches the man, expressing his willingness and ability to heal.
These verses remind us of Jesus’ desire to bring healing and restoration to those who are afflicted physically, emotionally, or spiritually. They invite us to come to Jesus with our own brokenness and trust in his power to make us whole. They also challenge us to extend grace and compassion to those who are often shunned or marginalized by society.
Mark 10:46-52
“Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means ‘son of Timaeus’), was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Jesus stopped and said, ‘Call him.’ So, they called to the blind man, ‘Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.’ Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ Jesus asked him. The blind man said, ‘Rabbi, I want to see.’ ‘Go,’ said Jesus, ‘your faith has healed you.’ Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.”
This account reveals Jesus’ approachability and willingness to respond to the cry for mercy from a blind man named Bartimaeus. Despite the crowd’s attempt to silence him, Bartimaeus persists in his plea and catches Jesus’ attention. Jesus asks him specifically what he desires, and upon hearing Bartimaeus’ request, grants him his sight by the power of his faith.
These verses teach us the importance of persisting in our approach to Jesus, regardless of the discouragement or opposition we may face. Bartimaeus’ example inspires us to have faith, to boldly bring our needs before Jesus, and to trust in his compassion and healing power. It encourages us to respond eagerly when Jesus extends an invitation to us, and to follow him wholeheartedly in gratitude for his mercy.
Matthew 14:13-21
“When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, ‘This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.’ Jesus replied, ‘They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.’ ‘We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,’ they answered. ‘Bring them here to me,’ he said. And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.”
This miraculous feeding of the five thousand demonstrates Jesus’ approachability and compassion towards the physical needs of the crowd. Despite the disciples’ initial suggestion to send the people away to find food, Jesus takes what little they have, blesses it, and multiplies it to abundantly feed the multitude, leaving twelve baskets of leftovers.
These verses remind us that Jesus cares about our physical needs as well as our spiritual well-being. They teach us to trust in his provision and to offer what little we have, knowing that he can multiply it for the benefit of others. This account inspires us to approach Jesus with faith and gratitude, aware that he is able to satisfy our deepest longings and needs.
Matthew 26:6-13
“While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. ‘Why this waste?’ they asked. ‘This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.’ Aware of this, Jesus said to them, ‘Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.’”
This story highlights Jesus’ approachability and appreciation for a woman who anoints him with expensive perfume. Despite the disciples’ criticism, Jesus defends her action, acknowledging its significance in preparing him for his impending death and burial. He commends her act as a beautiful gesture of devotion and assures that it will be remembered wherever the gospel is preached.
This passage challenges us to value acts of sacrificial love and worship, even if they appear extravagant or may be misunderstood by others. It encourages us to prioritize our relationship with Jesus above worldly concerns and to approach him with expressions of wholehearted love and adoration. It also reminds us of Jesus’ accessibility to all who desire to honor and serve him.
Matthew 28:16-20
“Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’”
This passage known as the Great Commission showcases Jesus’ approachability and his commissioning of his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations. Despite some disciples doubting, Jesus assures them of his authority and promises to be with them always as they carry out his command.
These verses emphasize Jesus’ desire for his followers to actively engage with others, sharing the good news, baptizing them, and teaching them to obey his teachings. They remind us of our responsibility to continue Jesus’ mission of making disciples, reaching out to people from all walks of life. They also reassure us of Jesus’ presence and empowerment as we fulfill this mission, reminding us that he is always accessible to us and goes with us every step of the way.
John 13:1-17
“It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so, he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, ‘Lord, are you going to wash my feet?’ Jesus replied, ‘You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.’ ‘No,’ said Peter, ‘you shall never wash my feet.’ Jesus answered, ‘Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.’ ‘Then, Lord,’ Simon Peter replied, ‘not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!’ Jesus answered, ‘Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.’ For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said, ‘Not every one of you is clean.’ When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. ‘Do you understand what I have done for you?’ he asked them. ‘You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”
This account of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet demonstrates Jesus’ approachability and humility in serving others. By taking on the role of a servant and washing his disciples’ feet, Jesus sets an example of love, humility, and servant leadership.
These verses challenge us to adopt a humble and serving posture towards others, following Jesus’ example. They remind us that no task is beneath us and that true leadership is characterized by selfless acts of love and service. They encourage us to approach others with a humble heart, seeking to meet their needs and build them up in love, just as Jesus did.
John 8:1-11
“But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. At dawn, he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, ‘Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?’ They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, ‘Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.’ Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ ‘No one, sir,’ she said. ‘Then neither do I condemn you,’ Jesus declared. ‘Go now and leave your life of sin.’”
This story reveals Jesus’ approachability and compassion towards a woman caught in adultery. Despite the religious leaders’ attempt to trap him, Jesus displays wisdom, grace, and forgiveness, extending mercy to the accused woman and challenging her to leave her life of sin.
These verses remind us of Jesus’ willingness to offer forgiveness and mercy to all who come to him, regardless of their past mistakes. They challenge us to approach others with a heart of compassion and non-judgment, extending the same grace and forgiveness that we have received from Christ. They also encourage us to turn away from our own sinful patterns and embrace a life of repentance and transformation.