Welcome to the Ministry to Marginalised People
In this chapter, we are going to look at how Jesus spent his time with people who were "pushed to the edges" of society. In the first-century world, society was very strictly divided. If you didn't follow certain religious rules, or if you had a certain job, you might be excluded from the community. Jesus changed everything by making these "outsiders" the center of his mission.
Why study this? Understanding who Jesus spent time with helps us understand his message about the Kingdom of God—a place where the last are first and everyone is welcome.
1. Who were the "Marginalised"?
To understand Jesus' ministry, we first need to know why people were pushed away. In first-century Jewish society, people were often marginalised for three main reasons:
1. Ritual Impurity: People with certain skin diseases or those who touched "unclean" things were kept away from the Temple and the community.
2. Moral Reputation: People known as "sinners" or those with "shameful" jobs (like tax collectors) were avoided.
3. Social Status: Women, children, the poor, and Gentiles (non-Jews) often had lower status and fewer rights.
Quick Review: Think of the "margins" like the edge of a piece of paper. The "marginalised" are the people who aren't allowed in the middle where the important things happen.
2. Reaching Out to Tax Collectors and Sinners
Tax collectors were especially hated. They worked for the Roman occupiers and often cheated people by taking extra money for themselves. They were seen as traitors and "unclean."
Mark 2:13-17 – The Calling of Levi
Jesus does something shocking: he asks Levi (a tax collector) to follow him. He then goes to Levi’s house to eat with many tax collectors and "sinners."
The Conflict: The scribes and Pharisees (religious leaders) ask why Jesus eats with such people.
Jesus’ Response: He uses a famous analogy: "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I have come to call not the righteous but sinners."
Luke 19:1-10 – Zacchaeus
Zacchaeus was a "chief tax collector" and very wealthy. Because he was short, he climbed a tree just to see Jesus. Jesus singles him out and stays at his house.
The Result: Zacchaeus repents, promising to give half his possessions to the poor and pay back four times what he cheated.
Key Takeaway: Jesus states his mission clearly here: "For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost."
Luke 18:9-14 – The Pharisee and the Tax Collector
This is a parable (a story with a meaning). The Pharisee prays by boasting about how good he is. The tax collector stands far off, beats his breast, and asks for God's mercy.
The Lesson: Jesus says the tax collector—the "outsider"—went home justified (made right with God) because of his humility, while the Pharisee did not.
3. Ministry to Women and "Sinful" Women
In the culture of the time, men and women did not usually socialise together in public, especially if the woman had a bad reputation.
Luke 7:36-50 – The Woman who Anointed Jesus
While Jesus is eating at the house of Simon the Pharisee, a woman known as a "sinner" comes in. She weeps at Jesus' feet, dries them with her hair, and anoints them with oil.
The Contrast: Simon is offended that Jesus lets a "sinful" woman touch him. Jesus points out that Simon gave him no water for his feet, but the woman hasn't stopped washing them with tears.
The Teaching: Jesus forgives her sins, saying that her great love shows she has been forgiven much.
John 8:2-11 – The Woman Caught in Adultery
Religious leaders bring a woman to Jesus who was caught in adultery. According to the Law, she should be stoned. They are trying to trap Jesus.
Jesus’ Response: He says, "Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." One by one, they all leave.
The Outcome: Jesus does not condemn her but tells her to "go and sin no more." He offers mercy instead of judgment.
Did you know? Jesus’ treatment of women was very radical for his time. He spoke to them as equals and allowed them to be part of his group of followers.
4. Ministry to Gentiles (Non-Jews)
Most people at the time believed the Messiah was only for the Jewish people. Jesus showed that God’s mercy is for everyone.
Mark 7:24-30 – The Syrophoenician Woman
A Gentile woman begs Jesus to heal her daughter. At first, Jesus says his mission is for the "children" (the people of Israel). He uses a metaphor about not throwing the children’s food to the "dogs."
The Woman’s Faith: She wittily replies that even the dogs eat the crumbs under the table.
The Lesson: Jesus is impressed by her faith and heals her daughter immediately. This shows the Gospel is expanding beyond Israel.
5. The Parable of the Great Banquet (Luke 14:15-24)
In this story, a man prepares a big dinner. All the "important" guests make excuses (buying land, checking oxen, getting married).
The Twist: The host gets angry and tells his servant to go out and bring in "the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame."
Key Takeaway: This parable teaches that those who think they are "guaranteed" a place in the Kingdom might miss out, while the marginalised are invited in with open arms.
6. Summary Table: Who did Jesus reach?
Group: Tax Collectors (Levi, Zacchaeus)
Why Marginalised: Cheats, worked for Romans, ritually unclean.
Jesus’ Action: Ate with them, called them to follow, stayed in their homes.
Group: "Sinners" (The anointing woman, the woman in John 8)
Why Marginalised: Moral failures, social shame.
Jesus’ Action: Offered forgiveness, protected them from judgment.
Group: Gentiles (Syrophoenician woman)
Why Marginalised: Not part of the "chosen" people of Israel.
Jesus’ Action: Healed based on faith, showed God’s love is universal.
Group: The Poor/Sick (Parable of the Great Banquet)
Why Marginalised: Physical "imperfection" seen as a sign of sin or low status.
Jesus’ Action: Made them the primary guests of the Kingdom.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don't just retell the story: In the exam (especially AO1), don't just say what happened. Explain why it mattered and how it relates to the theme of the "marginalised."
Don't ignore the Pharisees: Remember that Jesus' ministry usually happened in front of religious leaders who disagreed with him. Their reactions are important for understanding the conflict in the Gospels.
Keep it focused: This chapter is about 1.2.2 (Ministry to marginalised). Don't accidentally spend your whole essay talking about the Sermon on the Mount (which is 1.2.3).
Quick Review: Key Takeaways
1. Jesus prioritised faith and humility over religious rules or social status.
2. He claimed he came like a doctor for the "sick" (sinners), not the "healthy" (those who think they are perfect).
3. Forgiveness and mercy are central to his ministry to outsiders.
4. The Kingdom of God is open to everyone, regardless of their past or their background.
Note: For more on how Jesus expects his followers to treat others, see the chapter "The demands of discipleship: attitudes to others."