Jesus made it a point to spend time with the people He came to save -- sinners! There weren’t any areas off limits in that quest. Jesus found that the sick of society (not necessarily the lame, blind, and leprous) were the ones that need healing first. This is similar to a coach and trainer needing to get an injured player healthy as quickly as possible so they can get out and make a difference in the game.
It’s important to realize the very first command by God to mankind (Adam) is found in Genesis 1:28, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it…” This is not a command to exploit and oppress, but to bring life (just as God had done) and make things “good” (Ephesians 2:10). The sick in society represent those that need help the most. Jesus' involvement with them is an example to all people of what God intended by that first command; to “rule over '' the earth wasn’t about domination but about bringing good to all living things.
When the “sick” are taken care of, that removes a level of fear from the community. No one wants to get sick; no one wants to mess up so badly that they are cast out from friends and family. Therefore, Jesus’ outstretched hand to help those in the most distraught situations was a huge message of hope for all people (Romans 5:1-11). By eating with people who had been rejected for whatever reason, He demonstrated that they were important to Him (and to God).
An important example from the Old Testament is found in the actions of King David after he became king. He sought out those he could show favor towards. Mephibosheth was Saul’s grandson, and David did something very uncustomary of a king -- he gave him a perpetual invitation to eat at the king's table! (2 Samuel 9:10). The customary thing to do was to kill any remaining heir to the defeated king to ensure no one would try to exact revenge, but David’s unwarranted act of kindness actually brought a deep sense of loyalty to the “outcast.”
The kingdom of God brings a new level of peace that is unlike any other kingdom. A scene mentioned in several ways in Revelation. Revelation 22:17, “The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.” The invitation to join King Jesus at the table is being sent out now, and it’s our privilege to join him there. John 3:17, “God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” Regardless of our past, we have been offered an invitation of grace that changes how we live if we choose to accept it. Will you?
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