Jesus would have hung out in a dive bar—and not just to convert its patrons

[Michie]

The meme popped up on my Facebook feed, shared by a friend and liked by a lot of people. It said, “Jesus didn’t dine with tax collectors and sinners because he wanted to appear inclusive, tolerant, and accepting. He ate with them to call them to a changed and fruitful life, to die to self and live for him. His call is transformation of life not affirmation of identity.”

It would take some time to explain how bad this meme is, starting with its answering a claim no one ever makes. Does anyone think that Jesus did what he did because he “wanted to appear inclusive,” or to impress others? Of course not. But those sharing this quote are not really talking about Jesus. They are accusing people today of pretense and virtue-signaling, and of abusing Jesus’ example as a way to excuse sinners and their sins.

Continued below.
Jesus would have hung out in a dive bar—and not just to convert its patrons

 

[WarriorAngel]

He ate with them to call them to a changed and fruitful life, to die to self and live for him. His call is transformation of life not affirmation of identity.

I like this part, though. ^^


He called everyone to change. Go and sin no more.
He 'hung out' with sinners because well, where would He go since we're all sinners.
His same truth followed all ... go and sin no more.

 

[Michie]

I like this part, though. ^^


He called everyone to change. Go and sin no more.
He 'hung out' with sinners because well, where would He go since we're all sinners.
His same truth followed all ... go and sin no more.

Exactly.

 

[Jesse Dornfeld]

Some people do separate Christ from Christianity though - to the effect that their faith is skin deep and they are only Christians for cultural reasons such as their family being Christians or something such that "I have always been a Christian" meaning their faith isn't really based on anything - they just think of it like a cultural norm. I don't think many people on this forum really are like that here though. Most people here are here because they have strong convictions about their faith. Not all, but I would say most.

 

[Sword of the Lord]

I like this part, though. ^^


He called everyone to change. Go and sin no more.
He 'hung out' with sinners because well, where would He go since we're all sinners.
His same truth followed all ... go and sin no more.

Atheists and self proclaimed Christians who think Jesus walked around in a rainbow garment know absolutely nothing of the faith, Jesus, or scripture. They don't even realize how absolutely ignorant they sound at all times when speaking about the topic. So ignorant in fact that you can't tell them anything contrary to their delusions.