Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. James 1:17
He was in demand at dinner parties—so magnetic that crowds pressed in to be near Him, and kings wanted audiences with him. That was Jesus—shattering every dull idea people had about holiness.
In Jesus’ day, the religious teachers had become so hung up on rules that the life they lived was dull, rigid, and powerless. They measured holiness by what you avoided, and it left little room for joy. Then Jesus showed up. And when He embodied God’s law, it didn’t look anything like anyone expected.
Jesus went to parties. He ate good food, drank wine, and spent time with people others dismissed as unworthy. Tax collectors, political zealots, the sick, sinners, the outcasts—these were His dinner companions. Does any part of that shock you? The more society shunned someone, the more likely Jesus was to stop and talk with them. He welcomed children who ran to Him. He healed broken bodies. He told stories that made people laugh and think. Jesus made people feel deeply seen.
And what happened? People wanted to be around Him. Crowds pressed in so close there wasn’t enough space. He chose men and women with messy pasts and unpolished faith to become His messengers to the world.
You might have been taught to see the Bible as a rulebook that strips life of joy. But the Bible reminds us: “Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father” (James 1:17b). Life with Jesus isn’t boring—it’s abundant, surprising, and full of grace. If your faith feels dull, maybe it’s time to rediscover what Jesus is really like. Start by reading the Bible’s book of John. How do you picture Jesus?
