JESUS AND JAIL
By God’s grace, I have had the opportunity to share the love and forgiveness of Jesus all over America and in other countries. But nowhere have I found listeners so attentive and receptive as those who are locked up behind bars. The world may view these men and women as ‘the least of these’, or ‘low-life’ individuals who engage in criminal behavior. But as we know, Jesus went to such as these often. When I walk into jail, my first thought is not judgment, but to see these men and women as Jesus does. I pray for his compassion. I don’t pretend to know their stories, but I do know the One who knows all. I appeal to Jesus, lover of the whole world.
As the men crowd into the conference room, often I sense a holy expectancy, people searching for meaning and purpose. I assure them that Jesus Christ will not, cannot disappoint. You can see it in their eyes, they want freedom from guilt and regrettable choices. The Bible offers a strong message of hope and forgiveness – unlike any book in the world. That includes eternal life with Jesus too. That’s an offer that these people are sometimes ripe and ready for. Some folks on the outside have it too good, and God is not necessary. Inmates are, in many cases, ready for renewal. I remind the men that when you come to Christ, “Old things have passed away, new things have come.” Isaiah said that “The former things will not be remembered, nor even come to mind”. That is great news for everyone, but these prisoners soak up the good news like a sponge.
I have learned that time spent behind bars for these men often leads to deep personal reflection and a desire to start over – a new beginning. All ‘bars’ and prisons are not equal. You may be experiencing an incarceration of sorts even as a ‘free’ person. Good news, the Lord Jesus offers freedom, peace, and hope. “Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden, I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matt. 11:28-30)
May I encourage you to trust Jesus even behind your darkest bars and hidden places? His love and light will radically change your attitude, even granting you a peace that surpasses comprehension.
Please agree with me in prayer for the prisoners: Lord Jesus, please use this time of incarceration as a time to Reveal yourself to your beloved. Let this time be, as it were, a time of renewal. Let them be educated in your love through your eternal word. Allow them to receive your forgiveness, love, and compassion. Strengthen their faith and reveal yourself in a deeply profound way. Give your servants, the ministers’ ears to hear and eyes to see. Open their minds to words of knowledge and understanding as they minister. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
“I needed clothes, and you clothed me, I was sick, and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. “(Matthew 25:36)