Approachable

There are just some people that you just love to be around. They make you laugh, they encourage you, they inspire you. And when you know they care about you, that makes you want to be around them even more. Jesus was one of those people. People loved to be with Jesus.

There are other people who are not approachable at all. They seem too busy to have time for anyone else. They seem to have an attitude of “leave me alone.” They have an unseen “wall” around them that keeps others from getting near. They may think they are too-smart or too-successful or too-mean or too-whatever, but for whatever reason they push people away.

What was Jesus like? He was approachable.

He was available to those who needed him. He welcomed normal, everyday people to have conversations with him. He cared about those who were fragile: the elderly, the sick, the injured, those ignored by society. Even when no one else would even reach out a hand to touch them, Jesus would touch them and bring healing to their bodies and their souls.

He attracted the strongest leaders of his day. Rugged fisherman wanted to be around him to learn from him. Military leaders came to him for help. Successful businessmen asked him questions about the most important things of life. Religious leaders sought his answers and wisdom.

He cared about those who were trapped in a lifestyle of sin. He ate meals with those who were materialistic, legalistic and immoral. He got to know them and showed them that God had a better plan for their life. He lovingly told them of grace, forgiveness, eternal life, and salvation that he could give them. Some accepted his message but some rejected him.

Jesus was approachable.

Little children loved to be with him. Parents loved to bring their little ones to him. In Jesus’ day, famous religious leaders didn’t take time for children. But Jesus did. He wanted the children and their parents to know that he loved everyone. He was approachable.

Some people were even bringing infants to Him so He might touch them, but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. Jesus, however, invited them: “Let the little children come to Me, and don’t stop them, because the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I assure you: Whoever does not welcome the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” (Luke 18:15-17)

Jesus had time for people. He welcomed them. He listened to them. He helped them. He inspired them. He encouraged them. He pointed them to eternal life. He was approachable.

What about you?