Jesus was truly a "friend of sinners" ( Luke 7:34) but was referred to as "Master" in both Colossians 3:24 as to who we serve and those addressing Him ( Luke 18:18). There are parables as well where the word is used as a thinly veiled analogy of Christ returning to reward or punish His subjects (last half of Matthew 25 for one). It is intersting that in the example of Christ being a friend of sinners (and tax collectors) that it was used in a derogatory way by the Pharisees as to those He kept company with. The passage in Luke 18:18 continues in the following verses to show someone whose heart truly wasn't entirely committed in this passage either to put his money where his mouth was; literally. The same can be said of the parable of the servants in the vineyard; there were unfaithful servants there who would suffer the consequences; and others who would reap the benefits of reward for being a TRUE servant of their master. John 14:15 comes to mind once again where love is shown by obedience on our part.
Naturally; when we live in a world where obedience to parents; commitment to others after making a marriage vow and a covenant agreement is established and overall lack of respect for authority has caused the spirit of the age to affect many who either deliberately want to excuse their conduct or don't know any better. To put it best perhaps here is a lengthy quote from C.S. Lewis in "Mere Christianity"
"Give me all of you!!! I don't want so much of your time, so much of your talents and money, and so much of your work. I want YOU!!! ALL OF YOU!! I have not come to torment or frustrate the natural man or woman, but to KILL IT! No half measures will do. I don't want to only prune a branch here and a branch there; rather I want the whole tree out! Hand it over to me, the whole outfit, all of your desires, all of your wants and wishes and dreams. Turn them ALL over to me... (out of space).
Jesus was truly a "friend of sinners" ( Luke 7:34) but was referred to as "Master" in both Colossians 3:24 as to who we serve and those addressing Him ( Luke 18:18). There are parables as well where the word is used as a thinly veiled analogy of Christ returning to reward or punish His subjects (last half of Matthew 25 for one). It is intersting that in the example of Christ being a friend of sinners (and tax collectors) that it was used in a derogatory way by the Pharisees as to those He kept company with. The passage in Luke 18:18 continues in the following verses to show someone whose heart truly wasn't entirely committed in this passage either to put his money where his mouth was; literally. The same can be said of the parable of the servants in the vineyard; there were unfaithful servants there who would suffer the consequences; and others who would reap the benefits of reward for being a TRUE servant of their master. John 14:15 comes to mind once again where love is shown by obedience on our part.
Naturally; when we live in a world where obedience to parents; commitment to others after making a marriage vow and a covenant agreement is established and overall lack of respect for authority has caused the spirit of the age to affect many who either deliberately want to excuse their conduct or don't know any better. To put it best perhaps here is a lengthy quote from C.S. Lewis in "Mere Christianity"
"Give me all of you!!! I don't want so much of your time, so much of your talents and money, and so much of your work. I want YOU!!! ALL OF YOU!! I have not come to torment or frustrate the natural man or woman, but to KILL IT! No half measures will do. I don't want to only prune a branch here and a branch there; rather I want the whole tree out! Hand it over to me, the whole outfit, all of your desires, all of your wants and wishes and dreams. Turn them ALL over to me... (out of space).
Let us do the same.
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