People, the world-over are considered unworthy to be visited, to be reached, or deemed unacceptable in society. They’re rejected, untouched, unfit for many things. India, alone has some 200 million unfit citizens; incapable of ever advancing within their society.
Had Jesus come in His glory exuding riches, jewels, gold, diamonds, rubies, etc., He’d been approached by the rulers of the day; the hypocrites. They would have whisked Him away into their luxurious abodes. They would have set before Him their finest China, clothed Him with expensive clothing, served Him in golden cups, etc.
Having done that, how could He have reached the unreachable, the unloved, the untouchables? How could He love you and me? Hey, you might be rich, or well-off, but you still wouldn’t qualify to stand before Him. Why? Because it’s not in what we possess, but in what possesses us: sin. We’re under its control. Since man has always looked at the exterior of others, and makes his judgements based on what’s seen, he believes he judges correctly. The Religious people, were unaware that God sent His Son to cleanse mankind from sin within.
Jesus was birthed into poverty to reach the lowest in ranks and the well-off. His life-goal was to show us the way to the Father. Lepers were required to stay away from common people. In public, they needed to announce their presence so others could steer clear of them. When a leprous man stood before Jesus and dared ask for healing, Jesus did the unbelievable. Read it:
“When Jesus came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”
This man didn’t announce his presence! He felt confident before the King of the universe! He had faith in His power and authority. “Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy” (Matthew 8:1-3).
Today, like thousands of years ago, Jesus reaches and touches the put-downs, the rejects, the unwanted, the unnoticed, the unimportant, and all the nobody’s of this world. And??? He makes all of us SOMEBODIES! “He has made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion forever. Amen” (Revelation 1:6).
This Christmas be a somebody in Christ’s kingdom. Let your love and ways touch an unapproachable person.
This is yet another reason why true Christmas is so radical! Heaven will be replete with all the unrighteous people to have ever lived! We’ll be together with everyone else in His glorious kingdom!
“For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10).
Merry Christmas!
Sam