When Jesus was on earth, He was known for hanging around with sinners (Matthew 11:19). Not being a people person, I always assumed this was an arduous choice for Jesus, that these were not the people He preferred to be around, but He did it because He is love (1 John 4:8).
Perhaps not. Maybe Jesus had a very good reason to prefer the company of sinners.
“The Pharisees… said to [Jesus’] disciples, ‘Why is your Teacher eating with those tax collectors and sinners?’ But when Jesus heard this, He said, ‘It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners'” (Matthew 9:11-13). To paraphrase, “the sick don’t need a doctor and the ‘righteous’ don’t need Me.”
Folks, Jesus likes to be needed. Recognizing my need of Him is salvation. Relying on Him is faith. Confessing my need of Him is prayer. Praising Him for supplying my needs (among other things) is worship. Is there any aspect of a relationship with Christ that doesn’t involve needing Him desperately? No wonder He’s not a fan of the self-sufficient. Really, don’t we all prefer the company of the humble to the company of those who are sure they have all the answers, who imagine they have it altogether? No wonder Jesus prefers hanging out with sinners.
I wonder how He feels about hanging out with me.