This seldom-used descriptor of Jesus is at the same time embracing and excluding. Embracing as only the truest of friends could be, yet distinct from the group of sinners. He is not one, even though he IS, by his own best definition, the Son of Man.

Wine-guzzlers, gluttons, prostitutes, lepers, tax collectors – all of the riff-raff, all befriended by Jesus. In some cases, even promised eternal life. The murderer on the cross next to his. The list is endless.

And yet we try to be judge and jury of every ilk of humanity that is “deplorable.” Jesus COULD judge, if he chose, but he refused, leaving that to his Heavenly Father. You know why Gen-X and millennials avoid church? Because they see self-righteous hypocrites. Rules that do not satisfy the hungry soul. Jesus endured and suffered the chief scribes, elders, Pharisees and Sanhedrin (the “Jewish Supremes”). Jesus befriended sinners because he DIDN’T tell them they were going to hell!

Can we possibly consider ourselves to be fellow pilgrims accompanying our fellow travelers? It is a far more noble thing, than to think we are “farther along on the road to righteousness.” We carry the scars and injured pride of those whom our Lord befriended. Every Sunday, we get the “snack in the wilderness”, the manna, the Bread of Life. It is a path through the wilderness that leads to the glory of the cross.

His name is Jesus, friend of sinner. Friend of mine.

The friend who loves YOU perfectly, unconditionally.

Pastor Art