Jesus told a woman that he could not take Children’s bread and feed it to Dogs Mark 7:27-28. In this case, the children were the Israelites, and the dogs were the gentiles. He also said that he was sent because of the Israelites. This passage places doubts on whether Jesus accepts everyone. So, does Jesus accept everyone?
The Bible implies that Jesus accepts everyone. In John 6:37, Jesus says, ” All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out. The verse indicates that Jesus accepts all those who come to him.
In this article, we will discuss whether Jesus accepts all faiths and religions, whether he was welcoming to non-Christians, whether he accepted sinners, and the requirements for acceptance by Jesus. We will also find out where the Bible says that Jesus accepted everyone and Bible verses about acceptance.
Did Jesus accept all faiths and religions?
The Bible demonstrates that Jesus accepted and interacted with people from all faiths and religions. For example, Jesus interacted with a Samaritan woman from a different faith and religion. Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” Jews have no dealings with Samaritans John 4:9. This verse demonstrates that the Jews and the Samaritans did not interact. The reason is that the Jews had no dealings with the Gentiles. Gentiles were all the people who did not belong to the 12 tribes of Israel. John Newman notes that they did not even eat together. So, Jesus asking for water was a big surprise to the Samaritan woman.
From the same passage, we note that the Samaritans differed in faith. The Samaritan woman told Jesus: Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where one ought to worship.” John 4:20. The verse demonstrates a difference in faith between the Samaritans and the Jews. However, the difference in religion and faith did not prevent Jesus from accepting the Samaritan woman and sending her to evangelize.
Another example that shows that Jesus accepted all faiths and Religions was his interaction with the centurion. The centurion was a Roman. According to National Geographic, Romans worshiped gods and goddesses such as Minerva, Juno, Jupiter, and Zeus, among others. Therefore, the centurion had a different religion and faith than Jesus. However, his faith and religion did not prevent him from accepting the request to heal his servant. Jesus was impressed by the centurion’s faith despite being from another religion. he said: When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, “I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!” Luke 7:9. Therefore, Jesus accepted other religions and faith.
Finally, Jesus sent his disciple to every nation. He said: Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, Matthew 28:19. He did not discriminate against religion or faith when he sent his disciples to preach the gospel. He wanted them to reach everyone and make everyone his child through the gospel.
Was Jesus welcoming to non-Christians?
Jesus was accepting of non-Christians. When Jesus was on earth, there were no Christians . The first use of the term Christians was long after he had ascended. The Bible says that: Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that they assembled with the church for a whole year and taught many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. Acts 11:25-26.
After Jesus’ accession, those who preached and followed the disciples teaching became Christians. Therefore, Jesus never interacted with any Christians. Richard Robinson notes that Jesus did not start Christianity. The most notable categories of people were Gentiles and Jews. Jesus was born a Jew, and so were most of the people he interacted with. Therefore, Jesus was welcoming to Christians.
Does Jesus accept sinners?
The Bible says that Jesus accepts sinners. When Jesus was accused of interacting with sinners, he said that he came because of them. Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples. Matthew 9:10. Jesus sat with sinners, as indicated in this verse.
Doing so was unacceptable to religious people who treated sinners with disgust. They questioned why Jesus always sat with sinners: And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” Matthew 9:11. Jesus indicated that he came for the sinners. He gave the example of a sick and healthy person and asked the Pharisees which one needed a doctor. Sinners are sick people, and Jesus is the physician. A physician does not chase away sick people but accepts them.
What are the requirements for acceptance by Jesus?
The Bible indicates that the only requirement for acceptance by Jesus is having faith in him or receiving him. The Bible says: But as many, as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name John 1:12.
In other words, you need to believe the gospel, which is summarized as Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. When you believe that Jesus died, was buried, and resurrected, and you are forgiven and received righteousness, Jesus accepts you.
Where in the Bible does it say Jesus accepted everyone?
In John 3:16, the Bible indicates that Jesus accepts everyone who believes in him. The Bible says: For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. The word whosoever means everybody. Jesus does not discriminate but accepts all. In John 1:12, the Bible also says that everybody who believes in Jesus becomes a child of God. So, Jesus accepts everyone.
Bible verses about acceptance
There are many verses about acceptance. For instance, Romans 15:7 says, “Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God.” Shawn Lazar says that the verse indicates that Jesus accepted us, which is why we should also accept others.
Another example is Romans 10:13: “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Being saved is equal to getting accepted into the family of God. According to BibleRef, once we accept Jesus, we are accepted into his household or family.
References
Jesus’ Surprising Interactions With Other Religions
The Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Rome
Was Jesus the Founder of Christianity?
What does Ephesians 2:19 mean?
Accept One Another (Romans 15:7)
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
