Even though we tend to think that all the labels that we see around us are new to people, it's evident throughout history that labels are nothing new. Though some of the labels that we use are new, our want to define things is seen throughout all cultures - the Bible, too. Just as much as we try to define things, God gives us a way to remove those limitations that we try to put on ourselves.
'The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!' Luke 7:34 KJV
Though Jesus was portrayed as a sinner and often ate with them, he didn't use his authority to topple governments. Jesus knew that his challenge was with the ideology of the people. Not just the foundational changes that allowed for all people to approach God, but the change of our mindsets about those around us. Not just our family, but complete strangers that we may not even notice until actively being aware.
When Jesus has these interactions, it was customary at the time for a Jew that associated with gentiles to have rituals of cleansing. Talking with those that were not Jewish was seen as unclean, often getting Jesus into debates with religious leaders of the time for being so close to those that were living in sin.
26Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them. Acts 21:26 KJV
Later, here in the same book, Luke captures a great exchange between Jesus, Peter, a Pharisee and a woman washing Jesus's feet.
'41There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. 42And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? 43Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. 44And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. 45Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. 46My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. 47Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. 48And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven' Luke 7:41-48 KJV
During this exchange, Jesus is showing one of his closest followers that a stranger can be blessed. Furthermore, with a Pharisee present, he's educating a teacher of the people about a change of policy. For all levels of people, Jesus came to offer a way to God. With faith, acceptance and mercy, we can live a life closer to God.
From His disciples, one of the most challenging for the time is Mathew, in my opinion (until Paul comes along, but I'll stay on point - if you'd like to get the refence go to: Acts 9:1).
Mathew was a tax collector. Not only are they seen as working with the Romans, but their salary mainly consisted of the gap between what Rome wanted and how much the tax collector could charge others within the community. With Roman occupation, Jews were allowed to practice their faith, but still held accountable to Roman law and demands. If a tax collector could upcharge a citizen, those additional funds became additional salary. In essence, if you were a rich tax collector, you were damaging the citizens income around you to build your wealth. Jesus doesn't hesitate to change the perception.
Though Mathew is a good example, tax collectors were not the only people Jesus was chastised for:
16And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners? 17When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Mark 2:16-17
Jesus constantly challenged the labels that were placed onto people. When we try to condemn those around us, Jesus often ministers of mercy and grace, but encourages us that they're available to us all. While trying to inspire those that feel they have been forgotten by God, religious leaders that established the traditional doctrine grow angry at his teachings that disallow their decisions or vengeance.
Throughout Jesus's life, he continues to challenge the rules written, showing that a new covenant is being established with God. Not just for Jewish leaders, followers or those born to their faith, but for the gentiles as well (gentiles being anyone not Jewish). Beyond just ministering to everyone, Jesus starts teaching that God is cleansing all sins. Even in his crucifixion, Jesus is making a way for all to walk with God.
22And if a man have committed a sin worthy of death, and he be to be put to death, and thou hang him on a tree: 23his body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hanged is accursed of God;) that thy land be not defiled, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance. Deuteronomy 21:22-23 KJV
From my studying, I hope to continue to inspire that hope that we all have access to from God. Regardless of your challenges, I hope to inspire you to read through some of the challenges that those before us have overcome. If the Bible is not what you want to use as a tool of encouragement, I pray that meditation and prayer cause the impact in your life that you seek. If praying is too much of a challenge, meditate on the existence of something greater than yourself. Ask for a presence of peace to overwhelm you.
My prayer that I hope you join with me:
"God, thank you for this successful week of opening my mind to a new way to interact with others. Please allow for me to use skills that you often show to myself and those around me - patience, mercy and grace. Please don't allow me to take them for granted, but to share my blessing of living within Your presence. Wash away the burdens that we place as obstacles for our connection to be something even I can witness. In Jesus's name I pray, Amen."
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