Jesus hung out with dodgy people. He was described as a friend of prostitutes and tax collectors. What did it look like when they were together?If they were anything like some of the people who use our drop-in at the Jesus Centre, then it could have been noisy and pretty wild. Did they swear in those days? I guess so. Did they tell doubtful jokes? Probably. Were those girls immodest and the guys showing off, or going nose to nose sometimes? Did they drink too much or use other substances? Did they steal and borrow without repaying, lie and laugh it off? I imagine so. And they would also look out for each other, share what little they had, and have a laugh in the face of misfortune.
So did Jesus sit in the midst of all that? Did they all mind their P's and Q's in his company? Working girls and addicts certainly say Pardon my French to us, when they hear themselves. Did he tut tut and tell them off a lot? We ask people not to talk about dodgy stuff, or to dis anyone, but otherwise they talk as they will.
The picture from the Jesus Film hints at this. It's a bit sanitised and I doubt if Jesus was white and had blow-dried hair, but at least a harlot is there.
I'm not fazed by what working girls do, or talk about. It's their life and most of them hate it anyway. But they love the friendship we give, and often ask for prayer.
Jesus, friend of sinners. I'm sure being with him changed many, but not because he disapproved of them. You don't disapprove of your friends.
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