When you think of “sinners” who might be excluded from God’s kingdom, does anyone come to mind? If so, you may be entering dangerous territory. The Pharisees were certain of their own seat at God’s table, convinced that the tax collectors and prostitutes had no such place. But Jesus came precisely for the people the religious crowd wrote off. He welcomes the broken, the fallen, the forgotten with open arms the moment they repent and turn to Him. God’s grace reaches farther than our judgments, and we may be surprised by those who are on heaven’s guest list!

Why Are We Seeking Jesus?
The feeding of the 5000 is considered a major transition point in Jesus’ ministry. Crowds of people came to him, seeking him, wanting to learn more about this man who was doing these miraculous things. But after the feeding of the 5000, people stop following him and actually many turn away. Why do they do that? Why don’t they continue following him?


