Jesus Loves Us All - Mark 5:24

We can easily make Jesus into a two-dimensional caricature of himself. He loved the poor, the weak, the downtrodden, the forgotten, and the marginalized and spoke harshly of those in power and of those who were hypocritical in their religion. Reality, however, dictates that we recognize that Jesus loves all people regardless of their social standing, economic circumstances, religious identity, gender, race, or background. Jesus came looking for those seeking God and recognizing their need for God's work in their lives. So Jesus goes with this man who is in many ways similar to those who will persecute, oppose, and ultimately demand his crucifixion. Why? Because he loves the man and because the man recognizes his need for Jesus' help. This understanding leaves you and me with two important messages. First, Jesus loves no matter what our background or past may be. He longs for us to admit our need for him and ask for his help. Second, as Jesus' followers, we are called to love all people, too!