Following Close or From the Outside

I noticed something interesting on Sunday as I read in Mark 2.  Here are the verses, "15 And as he reclined at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many who followed him.  16 And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, "Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?" vs. 15-16.

The worst men in the region came from all around the region and Jesus placed himself right in the middle of all of them, and they placed themselves right in the middle of his presence. They were close enough to see his sunburn, facial expressions, and rub shoulders with Him.  Isn't it interesting that they did not find Jesus strange, but found him so interesting that they invited him into their social circle and make him be the center of attention of their gathering.

The most religious men of the region watched Jesus that day from a distance.  They could not see his facial expressions, what he was eating, or whether he looked tired from his day. All they could see and know about Jesus was from a safe and judgmental distance.  Those who claimed to know God and how to authentically worship him, stayed away.  That is not worship, as worship is about the presence and nearness of God.  The religious leaders found Jesus scandalous, not intriguing, and that is why they kept him at a distance and eventually killed him. 

Both responses have to do with who we think Christ is and what he is really like. If he is all about following rules, then we will find grace scandalous because it includes those who do not look, act, or live how we think they should.  If we find him fascinating, then we will draw near and enjoy the celebration of his grace.  You see, Legalism runs into Grace and Grace is like a brick wall that Legalism cannot penetrate or knock down.  It is here where Grace is so frustrating to Legalists.  Grace actually will swallow up Legalism in our lives when we truly understand the heart of God.

So, who are we more like in the two verses.  Are we judging from a distance or are we sharing a meal with the Savior?  I prefer to be near and see the color of his eyes and hear him personally speak to me.