A Friend of Sinners by D. H. Kress

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Jan 12, 1911

A Friend of Sinners

By D. H. Kress

D. H. KRESS, M. D.

A LITTLE boy's definition of a friend was, “one who knows all about us, and loves us just the same.” Parents, though aware of the weaknesses and defects of their children, love them just the same.

Such a friend we have in Jesus. No one knows so well as he the infirmities of mankind, but he loves us just the same. “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,” and Jesus revealed to us this love in his ministry while here upon earth. He is touched “with the feeling of our infirmities.”

No one can so fully understand or comprehend what it means to be touched with the feeling of another's infirmities as can a father or a mother. The unfortunate child in a household is loved none the less because of its infirmities. The parents are touched with the weaknesses and defects that some one less compassionate may criticize and condemn.

So Jesus is touched with the feeling of man's infirmities. Those who are often passed by on the wayside by priest and Levite as hopeless cases, are the objects of his special pity and compassion. We read, “Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.” Jesus was the friend of sinners when here upon earth, and sinners felt this as they came into his presence. It was a knowledge of his father's love and friendship that led the prodigal, clothed with rags, and having spent his all in riotous living, to determine, “I will arise and go to my father.”

While the wayward son possessed a certain knowledge of his father's love, a new and fuller revelation awaited him. All he dared hope for was to be made as one of his hired servants. But the reception he received was not that of a servant; it was the reception of a son. “Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him,” was the father's command; “let us eat, and be merry: for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.”

The elder brother could neither understand nor comprehend this love, and was led to criticize the act. The father recognized the prodigal as his son, even when feeding the swine, and when dead and lost to him. The love in the father's heart remained unchanged through all the years of separation; but now that the son returned, he was able to give expression to the love and pity which dwelt in his bosom. It is the goodness of God that leads to repentance.

In recounting the various providences by which the wayward are brought to cry unto God and helped out of their trouble, David says, “Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the loving-kindness of the Lord.” Like the prodigal, they will recognize suffering, reverses, and affliction as God's appointed means of leading them back to the path of peace and life. With David they will say, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.” They will recognize God as their friend, even in suffering, and will glory in tribulation.

Takoma Park, D. C.