Jesus Welcomes Everyone

1. The Loving Welcome (Luke 7:36-50)

Simon, a Pharisee, invited Jesus to dine at his home to learn more about Him. As they reclined at the table in the cool courtyard, an unexpected guest entered—a woman with a notorious reputation in the town. She had heard about Jesus and, overwhelmed by His compassion, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume. She stood behind Jesus, weeping, and her tears fell on His feet. She wiped them with her hair, kissed His feet, and poured the perfume on them.

Simon, seeing this, was disgusted. He thought, “If Jesus were a prophet, He would know what kind of woman this is.” Jesus, aware of Simon’s thoughts, told him a parable: “Two men owed money to a moneylender. One owed much more than the other, but the moneylender forgave both debts. Which of them will love him more?”

Simon answered, “The one who had the bigger debt forgiven.”

Jesus replied, “You are right.” He then turned to the woman and said, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house, but you did not offer me water for my feet, but she has washed my feet with her tears. You did not give me a kiss, but she has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven, as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”

Then Jesus said to the woman, “Your sins are forgiven. Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

This story illustrates that Jesus welcomes everyone, no matter their past. His love and forgiveness are available to all who come to Him in faith, and true love for Jesus is shown through repentance and gratitude for His mercy.

2. Families (Mark 10:13-16)

One day, mothers brought their children to Jesus, hoping that He would bless them. However, the disciples, thinking Jesus was too busy, rebuked the mothers and tried to send them away. But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

Jesus then took the children in His arms, placed His hands on them, and blessed them. The mothers were overjoyed, and the children laughed and played, knowing that they had received Jesus’ love and blessing.

This moment teaches us that Jesus welcomes and values children, as well as those who come to Him with humble trust. In God’s kingdom, those who are willing to receive Him with a childlike heart are the ones who are truly blessed.

3. The Man Who Came Back (Luke 17:11-19)

As Jesus and His disciples were traveling toward Jerusalem, they came upon ten men with leprosy standing at a distance. Leprosy was a feared and isolating disease, and the men had to stay outside the village, separated from society. When they saw Jesus, they cried out, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”

Jesus, moved with compassion, said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” As they went, they were miraculously healed, and their leprosy disappeared. Nine of the men continued on their way to the priest, eager to be declared clean and return to their families. But one of them, realizing he was healed, turned back and fell at Jesus’ feet, praising God in a loud voice. He was a Samaritan, a group typically despised by the Jews.

Jesus looked around and asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then He said to the man, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”

This story shows that Jesus welcomes everyone, even those who were considered outcasts or outsiders. The Samaritan, who returned to thank Jesus, exemplified true gratitude and faith. Jesus’ healing and mercy are not limited by nationality, status, or past; His love and grace are for all who seek Him.

In these stories, Jesus demonstrates His inclusive love, showing that He welcomes everyone—regardless of their past, social standing, or identity. Whether it’s a sinful woman, a child, or a Samaritan leper, Jesus offers forgiveness, blessings, and healing to all who come to Him with faith and humility. Jesus’ welcoming nature calls us to extend the same grace and love to others, embracing all people with open arms, just as He does.