From Chapter 8—Getting Inside the Gate: Becoming a True Friend to the Lost

Jesus was a different kind of Christian. Promoting truth and rescuing others was an integral part of who he was, activities that flowed naturally from his very nature. By observing him we can learn a great deal about the kind of people we need to be to continue his work. Two things in particular are very instructive about Jesus: the friends he had and the way he loved.

Jesus’ friends were not like ours. Think about it. Most of our friends are Christian. No cursing, no drinking. No pornography, no dirty movies. No heavy metal, no hip-hop. Our friends are the “clean” people of society, with no dirt on their hands or in their lives (at least, that’s what we tell ourselves). They never make us uncomfortable and wouldn’t dare violate our sensitive consciences. But Jesus’ friends weren’t like that.

Remember, he was known as the guy who hung around with the ugly, out-crowd. It was so widespread an infamy that he even knew about it. In a discussion with the Pharisees at one point, he brought it up himself. “The Son of Man,” he pointed out in Luke 7:34, “came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and “sinners.”’” He didn’t hang with the church crowd; this was his common reputation. He befriended people who didn’t walk the white line of morality, ones who had obvious sin in their lives.

It’s fascinating to notice who Jesus befriended. He went to weddings where alcohol was served, and, apparently, where much was consumed (John 2:1-11). He spent time with floozies and prostitutes (Luke 7:36-38). And he was especially fond of tax collectors, a group particularly despised among the people.