Verses 16-17 are a classic statement of Jesus' perspective on how Christians should interact with other people.
- It is easy to question another person's freedom.
- This is especially easy for religious, devout people to do.
- I do this myself.
- I relate easily to the Pharisees' perspective.
- Am I jealous of non-Christians' freedoms to do as they wish?
- It is reasonable to acknowledge that Christians do have significant restrictions on what they may and may not do.
- It is extremely important to remember 1 Corinthians 5:12-13.
- Limit judgment calls to people within the church.
- This will limit negative coverage about Christians by non-Christians in the secular press.
- More importantly, it will help devout believers within the church to focus upon matters that must be debated within the church.
- Is it possible to transfer Jesus' acceptance of "sinners" to the contemporary, evangelical church?
- Are there certain "unforgivable" sins, even among non-Christians? Although this is a difficult perspective to support theologically, given Jesus' words here in Mark, in a practical sense this is how many contemporary Christians translate their beliefs into practice.
- Which Christians spend time with today's "sinners" and are criticized for it?
- Tony Campolo would count himself among this number.
- What can I do to honor Jesus in my many relationships?
- Look at other people as created in the image of God and act accordingly.
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