The world has always been filled with outcasts, those who have been looked down upon and despised by others. Perhaps the best known are lepers and the untouchables. Many look down upon the homeless and addicted. Shepherds were an outcast group in biblical times.

People may go to great lengths to avoid outcasts, but God doesn’t classify anyone as an outcast. He loves all people and people groups the same – with His unconditional, all-encompassing love that desires to draw all into His embrace.

God demonstrated this when He chose to send angels to announce the birth of His Son Jesus, the Savior and Messiah of the world, to a lowly group of outcast shepherds. In the social standings of the day, they were only a little higher than lepers. Yet God chose them as the first to hear the Good News of the gospel. He could have sent the angelic announcement to the kings, the elite, the rulers, the rich. But instead, He chose the despised outcasts who immediately received the news with great joy.

The shepherds hurried to find the baby in the manger, and it was just as the angel had said. They didn’t stop to think about their despised estate, but quickly went out to spread the news. Then they returned to their sheep glorifying and praising God for all they’d seen and heard.

The shepherds were not the only outcasts of Jesus’ day. Just as the Father showed His love to the shepherds, He sent Jesus to others who were despised. There was a woman who only came to the well for water during the hottest part of the day to avoid the stares and whispers of those who looked down upon her. But Jesus knew when she’d be there and waited for her. He engaged her in conversation, telling her about her life. God saw her broken heart and life and wanted to bring healing and wholeness to her. He revealed to this outcast who He was, the long-awaited Messiah, her Savior. Upon hearing this Good News, she also did not let her outcast status stop her from going among the rest of the townspeople. She spread the news to each one she saw, telling them, “Could this possibly be the Messiah?” (John 4:29). The people ran to find Jesus and many believed.

Then there was a man known as a demoniac who was possessed by a legion of demons. He was an outcast, living naked among the tombs. He had been bound in shackles and chains, yet was strong enough to break them. He was self-destructive and cut himself with stones. But God cared about this outcast whom others feared and avoided, and He sent Jesus to find him. Jesus cast out the demons and the man was delivered and transformed. They found him clothed and in his right mind. He wanted to go with Jesus but was told to go home to tell his friends and family what God had done for him.

No matter how others may view you or how you see yourself, no matter what you’ve done or what others say about you, God will never see you as an outcast. He sees you as His beloved child whom He desires to bring into His fold. He desires you to know the Good News of salvation and redemption through Jesus. And then He asks you to spread the gospel to others.

Hope Ministries is a Christian counseling center, and we are here to help. If you would like to speak confidentially with someone, give us a call at 845-482-5300.