Stephen Marshall

When someone misrepresents you it’s tantamount to character assassination. You’ve had it done to you before. An acquaintance of yours may have heard you say something one day and then weeks later you’re trying to clear yourself with everyone. They took what you said out of context, changed the tone, altered the punctuation and now you’re trying to explain how you said this, but didn’t really say that. The most dangerous lies are mostly true.

Jesus knows what it’s like to be misrepresented. It happens everyday and all daylong. Remember He warned His disciples in Luke 21:8, “Be on your guard that you’re not led astray; for many will come in My name saying, ‘I am He!’” Jesus never said or says anything that contradicts God’s Word. Remember, He is the very Word Himself. (John 1:1,14)

So let’s talk about one of the most misquoted pieces of scripture today. People have been saying this ever since I can remember, “Jesus is a friend of sinners”. I’ve heard pastors and preachers say this in an effort to appeal to the lost, and though it sounds kind, it is completely false. In the book of Matthew chapter 11, Jesus is speaking to a crowd about their hypocrisy and misrepresentation of John the Baptist. Then He makes this statement in verse 19, “The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’”

Here is the absolute true hope for us all: “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) On the other hand, nowhere in the Bible does it say that Jesus is a friend of sinners. In fact the Word says this, “Do you not know that being the world's friend is being God's enemy? So whoever chooses to be a friend of the world takes his stand as an enemy of God.” (James 4:4)

It’s the same ole same ole. Whoever defines the terms, wins the debate. I would guess the matter in question then is; are you more interested in winning a debate or winning at life? Lots of people win the argument and the back slap of their ‘friends’, but lose at life.

Old testament and new, God has always given a criterion for having associations. Ya I know, that’s not very politically correct. God’s version of right is nothing like this world’s version of right. The two have nothing to do with each other. 

Look how this truth translates into our lives. Since Jesus is not the friend of sinners, we can’t use those stupid excuses anymore for hanging out with old friends. You know what I mean. “Oh I’m just trying to lead them to Jesus.” Or how about missionary dating? We become so noble when we lower our standards for relationships and put it under the pretense of a ‘burden for the lost’. Call it what it is: disobedience.

I want to hear what you’ve got say on the matter. Take some time and search the scriptures. The truth doesn’t just set anyone free. Knowing the truth will set you free!