Have you ever watched a movie where someone got the surprise of their life on a blind date because the person ended up being completely different than what they expected? That reminds me of what it must have been like for Jesus’ followers. When they realized that He was the promised Messiah, they must have said, “Wow, He is NOTHING like what we expected!”  

At the time, the Israelites (especially the religious leaders) pictured God as full of righteous anger, judgment and condemnation, and I’m sure that they expected the Messiah to be that way too. They had visions of Him coming to lead them into battle to overthrow the Romans. 

Jesus shocked them with His radically different approach. Instead of judgment and condemnation, He was full of grace and truth (John 1:17), and through His example and teachings, He showed us what our Father God is really like. 

Jesus’ love, acceptance and forgiveness were legendary! When He passed by Zacchaeus in a sycamore tree, instead of judging the crooked tax collector, He reached out to him and invited Himself over to his house for lunch (Luke 19:1-10). He didn’t shame Zacchaeus for his wrongdoing. In fact, He didn’t even mention it.

When your Father God looks at you, He doesn’t judge or condemn you. Through Christ, He extends unconditional love, forgiveness and acceptance your way, as well as the power to make better choices. Embrace His grace; it can change your life!