Making Space

Read Mark 2:7-13

While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. –Mark 2:15

Yesterday, we reflected on the close friends that we might allow to “carry” us in a time of need. Let’s stick with the theme of friendship today, and in particular, look at the people whom Jesus identified as his friends. Jesus called ordinary people to be his disciples—fishermen and tax collectors. They were not overtly religious; they certainly were not experts in the law. By inviting everyday people to be his disciples, Jesus made it possible to rub shoulders with people who were disaffected from the religious institutions of his day.

A number of years ago, church leaders began worrying about the fact that Christians, by and large, tended to socialize with one another. Multiple national surveys revealed that the longer one was a Christian, the less and less likely one was to have a non-Christian friend. Pastors began writing books like Contagious Christianity or The Art of Neighboring, encouraging Christians to broaden their friendships to include those outside the church. To borrow an illustration from one author, salt has no impact on whatever it is seasoning if it stays inside the salt-shaker!

Thankfully, a 2023 study by LifeWay indicates that this trend is shifting, particularly as more and more people in our culture identify as non-Christian. Over 70% of Protestants report that they have at least one friend who holds a different faith (Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, etc.) or who does not belong to a faith community at all. This is especially true for younger generations (Millennials and below), many of whom report that more than half their friends do not attend church regularly.

It is good to have friends who share your faith. In a world where isolation is ever-increasing, friendship is one of the most important things that churches can offer. But we cannot wait until someone comes to church to offer them our friendship. We must remember that Jesus sought those who felt cut off from God. He shared meals with them, he went to their homes, and he enjoyed their parties. Jesus loved people where they were and as they were, and he taught his disciples to do the same.

Yesterday, I encouraged you to think through 4-5 friends that you could count on.

Today, I encourage you to think through the friends that you spend time with—whom you work or share meals with or whose kids play soccer with yours. Hopefully, there are at least a few people within that number who don’t attend church or share the same faith. Pay attention and look for opportunities to deepen your friendships with them. As you develop friendships with those outside the church, remember that this was where Jesus found and offered his friendship, too.

In your time on earth, O Lord, you made space at your table for those who felt far from God. Help me to make space in my life for those who do not know You. May I be a faithful witness of the love and acceptance You offered to all. Amen.