During His earthly ministry, Jesus wasn’t some untouchable king in a palace, or a royal noble teaching from a place of honor. Rather, He was a poor carpenter, who had almost nothing to His name. He walked the streets of the poor and outcasts, and dined with sinners. He had an entirely backwards view of the social hierarchy of the time.

This way of living speaks volumes about the character of Jesus. He was not repulsed by the sins of those He came across. Rather, He met those around Him right where they were, and guided them towards the light and forgiveness of the Father. Jesus wasn’t afraid of the demonic power of Legion, but saved him by caring out the demons within him. Jesus wasn’t embarrassed to call Matthew as disciple, but redeemed him from his old way of life.

These stories are not for you to know the character of Jesus, but to see yourself in them as well. We are all the tax collectors, demon possessed, prostitutes of the Biblical story. We are all estranged from God because of our sin. But the Gospel accounts of the Lord show us that Jesus is not afraid of our sin, nor is He repulsed or embarrassed by us. Rather, He meets us right where we are, ready to forgive us our sins and guide us towards the light. If you’re feeling estranged from the Father, just know that Jesus is ready to meet you right where you are, and set you free from the bondage of your sins. The same question He asked to those of His day is the one He asks to you, “Are you willing to be healed?”

This makes people very angry and panicky.

My mental health improved in ways it had not in the previous DECADE once I stopped. And. Sat. With failure. And thought about what my failure ... Was. And looked at the structures that produced it and examined them critically.