Read Mark 7:24. Be a Rule Breaker.
Jesus went to Tyre and entered a house hoping to be unnoticed by the crowds. Perhaps he did not want to be noticed because he wanted to be able to give intimate time to the Gentile families. He went with a purpose and that was to minister to Non-Jewish people.
In essence, Jesus was breaking all the rules that say, “Don’t hang out with Non-Jews and don’t eat their unclean foods.” The fact that he is residing at the home of a Gentile, Non-Jew, signifies he’s probably eating food that is traditionally known by the Jews as unclean. However, Jesus had declared that all foods were clean. Jesus would have had to travel around 50 miles to get to Tyre region and what for? To touch the lives of Gentiles / Greeks / Non-Jewish people, not one of God’s “chosen people”, not an Israelite. Can you see how Jesus is breaking ALL the rules the Jewish people have traditionally been following? But Jesus came to die for everyone and not just the Jewish people.
Lord, may this be my heart! May this be the heart of all Christians, to break all the rules and seek out those our society says, “Don’t hang out with them!” Who are these people? Who they are depends upon who we are. For me, the people I see being ostracized are the homeless, the annoying people, those with piercings all over their bodies, those dressed in all black who have hair in front of their eyes, those with colored hair, the homosexuals and transgender people, the criminals, the poor people. Those who don’t dress in popular clothes, those sitting by themselves.
Jesus traveled 50 miles to reach those outside of the norm. We don’t have to travel 50 miles to be a rule breaker. The lost and hurting, those who our society says, “Don’t hang out with them!” are at our schools our workplace. They live in our neighborhoods. We all know an annoying person. We know those who sit by themselves. In reality, we are surrounded by opportunities to be rule breakers for Jesus and to love those who people say don’t love, or don’t waste your time with. God, break my heart for the lost and hurting and help me to invest in lives like I should – like you would – like you did – like you still do!
