Have you ever thought about how Jesus sees us, you and me, in the gospels? When we were without hope, Jesus identified us as:
Captives who needed to be set free, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed” (Luke 4:18).
Lost ones who needed to be found, “And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ … And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ … For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate” (Luke 15:6,9,24).
Sick folks who needed to be healed, “The Pharisees and their scribes began grumbling at His disciples, saying, ‘Why do you eat and drink with the tax collectors and sinners?’ And Jesus answered them, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick’ ” (Luke 5:31).
Weary souls who need rest, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30).
Jesus’ description of us is full of hope. There is always hope that the captive can be set free, the lost can be found, the sick can be healed, and the weary can find rest. All of which happened to us when we believed the gospel message of Jesus Christ.
And in a beautiful contrast, He DID NOT identify us as sinners who need to be punished!