Jesus often ate with sinners, showing God’s love and mercy for everyone. The Bible teaches us about His example of reaching out to those in need of grace. Today, let’s consider what we can learn from Jesus’ actions and how we can share His love with others.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Beloved
What Does The Bible Say About Eat With Sinners
Luke 5:30-32
“But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, ‘Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?’ Jesus answered them, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.’”
This verse exemplifies Jesus’ willingness to eat with sinners and his purpose in doing so. He emphasizes the importance of reaching out to those who are in need of spiritual healing, acknowledging that everyone is in need of redemption and forgiveness.
Jesus’ act of eating with sinners demonstrates his love and compassion towards all individuals, regardless of their past. It challenges us to extend grace and acceptance to those who may be considered outcasts or marginalized within society.
Mark 2:15-17
“While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: ‘Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?’ On hearing this, Jesus said to them, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.’”
This passage reinforces Jesus’ actions as he dines with sinners, emphasizing his intention to reach out to those who are lost and in need of salvation. It challenges the religious leaders’ judgment and highlights Jesus’ mission to bring healing and redemption to all people.
By sharing a meal with sinners, Jesus exemplifies the power of his love and grace. It reminds us that true fellowship and acceptance do not discriminate, but rather seek to restore and transform lives through the power of forgiveness and redemption.
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 verse reveals Jesus’ heart for those considered to be sinners by society. It challenges the religious leaders’ judgment and highlights Jesus’ desire for mercy over religious rituals.
By dining with tax collectors and sinners, Jesus displays his complete acceptance and love for all individuals. It reminds us of the importance of extending God’s mercy and grace to those who may be deemed unworthy by society, and that it is through relationship and genuine love that true transformation can occur.
Luke 15:1-2
“Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, ‘This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.’”
This verse highlights how sinners were drawn to Jesus because of his love and acceptance. It also reveals the disapproval of the religious leaders who were disillusioned by Jesus’ association with those they considered unworthy.
Jesus’ actions challenge us to examine our own attitudes and prejudices towards people who may appear to be sinners or outcasts. It encourages us to embrace the example Jesus set by welcoming and showing love to all, recognizing that everyone is in need of God’s grace and redemption.
1 Corinthians 5:9-11
“I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people—not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case, you would have to leave this world. But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people.”
This passage addresses the issue of associating with those who claim to be believers but continue to live in unrepentant sin. It instructs believers to avoid fellowship with individuals who habitually engage in sinful behavior, encouraging the church to uphold godly standards.
However, it is essential to note the distinction made by Paul between associating with unbelievers and those within the body of Christ. The intention is not to isolate ourselves from the world but to maintain a standard within the community of believers that promotes accountability and purity.
Galatians 2:11-13
“When Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face because he stood condemned. For before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group. The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray.”
This verse recounts an incident where the apostle Peter’s behavior contradicted his earlier practice of eating with Gentile believers. Paul confronts Peter’s hypocrisy, highlighting the importance of consistent actions and the danger of conforming to external pressures.
It serves as a reminder that we should not let fear or the opinions of others dictate our actions. It challenges us to maintain integrity in our relationships with believers from different backgrounds and to resist the temptation to separate ourselves based on cultural or societal expectations.
1 Corinthians 8:7-9
“But not everyone possesses this knowledge. Some people are still so accustomed to idols that when they eat sacrificial food they think of it as having been sacrificed to a god, and since their conscience is weak, it is defiled. But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do. Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.”
This passage addresses the issue of eating food sacrificed to idols. It emphasizes the importance of considering the impact of our actions on others, particularly those who may have weaker faith or different beliefs.
While food itself does not affect our relationship with God, it is crucial to exercise wisdom and love in our choices to avoid causing others to stumble. It encourages believers to prioritize unity over personal liberties and to act with sensitivity towards other believers, especially those who may come from different cultural or religious backgrounds.
Acts 10:9-16
“About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles and birds. Then a voice told him, ‘Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.’ ‘Surely not, Lord!’ Peter replied. ‘I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.’ The voice spoke to him a second time, ‘Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.’ This happened three times, and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven.”
This passage describes the vision that Peter had on the roof, where he was instructed to eat animals that were previously considered unclean according to Jewish dietary laws. It highlights the shift from the old covenant to the new covenant in Christ.
The vision conveys the message that the gospel is for all people, regardless of their background, and that the barriers separating Jews and Gentiles have been removed. It challenges us to let go of legalistic mindsets and embrace the inclusive grace of God that invites all individuals to partake in His salvation.
Matthew 15:10-11
“Jesus called the crowd to him and said, ‘Listen and understand. What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.’”
This verse addresses the Pharisees’ concern regarding the disciples’ failure to follow ceremonial handwashing traditions. Jesus refutes their adherence to external rituals by emphasizing that true defilement comes from the inner attitudes and words that proceed from the heart.
It reminds us that genuine purity is a matter of the heart and not merely external observances. It challenges us to prioritize inward transformation and to consider the impact of our words and attitudes on others, highlighting the importance of cultivating a heart that is pure and pleasing to God.
1 Timothy 4:3-5
“They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.”
This passage addresses the false teachings that advocated for the prohibition of certain foods and even marriage. It emphasizes that all of God’s creation is good and intended to be received with thankfulness by believers who understand the truth of God’s Word.
It teaches us not to be bound by man-made restrictions that go against the principles outlined in Scripture. Instead, it encourages us to approach all things with gratitude and consecrate them through the Word of God and prayer, recognizing that God is the giver of every good thing.
Romans 14:1-4
“Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters. One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them. Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.”
This verse addresses the issue of differing convictions regarding food choices and emphasizes the need for mutual acceptance and understanding among believers.
It teaches us not to judge or criticize one another based on personal preferences or convictions that may vary in matters of disputable nature. Instead, it challenges us to focus on our individual accountability to God, recognizing that it is in Him alone that we find our acceptance and ability to stand strong in our faith.
Acts 11:1-3
“The apostles and the believers throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him and said, ‘You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them.’”
This passage recounts the criticism Peter faced from the circumcised believers when he entered the house of Gentiles and ate with them.
It serves as a reminder that the Gospel is not limited to a particular group or culture but is meant to be shared with all people. It challenges us to overcome cultural and social barriers to build bridges of understanding and fellowship, recognizing that through Christ, we are all part of the same body of believers.
Romans 14:20-21
“Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of considering others’ spiritual welfare and not causing them to stumble through our actions or choices.
It teaches us that while all food is declared clean, we should be willing to give up our personal preferences for the sake of maintaining unity and not jeopardizing the faith of others. It challenges us to prioritize love and sensitivity to others over our own desires, reflecting the selflessness of Christ.
Colossians 2:16-17
“Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.”
This passage addresses the danger of legalism and the tendency to judge others based on external practices, including dietary observances and religious traditions.
It reminds us that our true identity and fulfillment are found in Christ alone, not in adherence to certain rules or regulations. It frees believers from the burden of living under a legalistic mindset and encourages us to focus on the substance and reality found in our relationship with Jesus.
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of living a life that brings glory to God in every aspect, including our eating habits.
It challenges us to consider the motivations and attitudes behind our actions, recognizing that even mundane activities such as eating and drinking can be opportunities to honor and glorify God. It calls us to approach all areas of life with an attitude of thanksgiving and a desire to reflect the character of Christ.
Matthew 15:17-20
“‘Don’t you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them. For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what defile a person; but eating with unwashed hands does not defile them.’”
This verse highlights the connection between the heart and our actions, emphasizing that it is our inner nature and attitudes that truly defile us, not external practices such as eating with unwashed hands.
It challenges us to focus on cultivating a heart that is pure and in alignment with God’s will. It reminds us that true transformation starts from within and calls us to assess the condition of our hearts, redirecting our thoughts and actions towards God-honoring behaviors.
1 Corinthians 6:12
“‘I have the right to do anything,’ you say—but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything’—but I will not be mastered by anything.”
This verse addresses the issue of personal liberties and highlights the need for moderation and self-control in all areas of life, including eating.
While we have freedom in Christ, it challenges us to consider the implications of our choices and not allow anything to become a master over us. It calls us to exercise wisdom and self-discipline in our actions, ensuring that what we partake in is beneficial and aligns with our desire to honor God.
Romans 14:17
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
This verse redirects our focus from external practices to the deeper realities of the kingdom of God.
It emphasizes that true spiritual fulfillment is not found in observing specific dietary restrictions but in embracing righteousness, peace, and joy through the indwelling Holy Spirit. It reminds us that our primary concern should be cultivating a heart surrendered to God, reflecting His character in all aspects of our lives.
Mark 7:18-19
“‘Are you so dull?’ he asked. ‘Don’t you see that nothing that enters a person from the outside can defile them? For it doesn’t go into their heart but into their stomach and then out of the body.’ (In saying this, Jesus declared all foods clean.)”
This passage challenges the misconceptions held by the Pharisees regarding dietary laws and defilement.
Jesus clarifies that it is not what enters a person’s body that defiles them but rather the condition of their heart. In declaring all foods clean, Jesus points to the new covenant and the freedom believers have in Christ, highlighting the importance of a transformed heart over external regulations.
Romans 14:13
“Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.”
This verse urges believers to avoid passing judgment on one another and to prioritize love and unity within the body of Christ.
It calls us to be mindful of our actions and choices, ensuring that we do not become stumbling blocks or obstacles for fellow believers. It challenges us to foster an atmosphere of acceptance, understanding, and support within the Christian community, remembering that our actions can significantly impact the faith of others.
1 Corinthians 10:31-33
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks, or the church of God— even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.”
This passage reiterates the importance of doing all things for the glory of God and not causing others to stumble through our actions.
It challenges us to go beyond personal preferences and consider the impact of our choices on others, be it fellow believers or unbelievers. It encourages us to adopt an attitude of selflessness, seeking the good of others with the ultimate goal of leading them to salvation.