We’ve all had that uncomfortable feeling haven’t we? Seeing someone needy, or someone requiring a lift on a wet day. We’re unsure what to do. Stop and help or just move on? Hovering between anger at our routine being disrupted and guilt. We rationalise that someone with more time will come by. We move on and try to forget about it.

We even make mental calculations

1. This is the worst possible timing. (When is a convenient time?)
2. Maybe these people deserve their fate. (Perhaps, but judgement is God’s turf.)
3. This will cost me, time certainly, even money. (You’re right; some people caught in a downward spiral can become desperate, clutching and manipulative.)
4. I’m uncomfortable around these kinds of people. (But everyone, high and low, is created in the image of God and deserving your respect.)
5. Will my help make a difference?

Suppose Jesus thought along similar lines:

Dear Heavenly Father, I don’t want to invest 33 years of my life with a group of sinners, who deserve their fate but not compassion and who will crucify me. Will my life make a difference - they’re so hard-hearted?

Thankfully he didn’t object to serving us - will you?