Come Unto Me!

Jesus was the ultimate example for each of us as believers in Him of how to pursue the lost and present the gospel. Jesus came into this world to seek and to save that which was lost (Luke 19:10). He also came not to be served, but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many (all men, but especially those that believe - 1 Timothy 4:10 & Mark 10:45). Instead of condemnation, the goal of His coming was salvation through Him (John 3:17-18).  

There was only kindness and compassion coupled with grace and truth from our Lord Jesus (John 1:14). Amazingly, Christ never sacrificed the truth in any regard, yet there was never a coldness in His manner (John 8:31-32). He did not look on people with contempt, nor carry out ministry with a vindictiveness, or turn people away based upon some bias (Matthew 23:37). In fact, at times, Jesus was prone to commend the faith of those outside of Israel (Luke 7:9; Matthew 15:28). When accused of fraternizing with “sinners and publicans”, Jesus reminded the religious leaders of the day that He was “not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Matthew 9:10-13). God’s mercy through Christ Jesus was being extended to all (1 Timothy 2:3-6; 2 Peter 3:9; 1 John 2:2).

I find in the fact that Jesus seeks the lost two necessary aspects of Christ’s love. First, His love knows no bounds! No matter how very lost an individual may indeed be, Jesus can reach that person, and although at one point they were lost they can be found!! Secondly, His search and rescue effort continues when others would give up on the lost one. He does not despair nor tire of going after the wandering soul. The patience He exudes is truly astounding in its unwavering desire to see a soul redeemed!

Oh, that the Lord would grant us of His Spirit’s gracious response to see the deep need of people with a persevering spirit in reaching out to them with the transforming power of the gospel of Jesus Christ.