Friend of sinners

Italy is a few days into a nationwide lockdown. Retail businesses except those providing essential services like grocery stores and pharmacies are closed. Examples include schools, sporting events, restaurants, gyms, theaters, cafes, museums, libraries and even funerals are cancelled. The streets are quiet and where there are typically thousands of tourists all day every day, no one is around.

Humans are social creatures and the lockdown is precisely meant to restrict physical social interaction and isolate people so as to limit the spread of disease.

As a result, most people remain at home with little physical interaction with the outside world. No parties, no lunch out with friends, no “quick meet for a coffee”, and no chance to randomly bump into a friendly known face and have some good laughs and a hug. I’m an introvert but I’m already really missing being with friends and work colleagues.

Many of us are feeling lonely and in need of a friend. Some more than others.

10 While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. 11 When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

12 On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. (Matthew 9:10-12)

Jesus recognized the importance of relationships and human interaction. He showed his own humanity by spending time with people, listening, teaching and breaking bread. His followers were seekers of truth, people with no hope, those who were sick, lost, or lonely. His followers were once defined by their sin, but now redeemed, saved and filled with hope.

The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.” (Matthew 11:19)

Jesus was criticized and accused for spending time with sinners, but his actions were just one more way he turned the model upside down. Through reflection and soul-searching in these troubled times I am reminded that I am a sinner in need of a friend, but not just any friend. What I need isn’t a nice meal out, I need a nice meal in, with Jesus. I need to repent, to forgive others, to be still, to obey, to receive wisdom, to love and to be loved. I need Jesus today and every day as friend, savior and God.