A couple years ago, I got to do something I’d never done before: visit people in prison.

I went with a local ministry to a penitentiary just before Christmas. I admit to being a little nervous. Most of the inmates were violent offenders. As I went through security and surrendered my keys and phone, my mind flashed to scenes of prison violence I’d seen in movies.

Well, it was nothing like the movies. We handed out cookies and literature. What I encountered were mostly friendly young men, grateful for a snack and some company around the holidays. It was a lovely experience.

I thought of that visit when I read David L Stubb’s article on Visiting Prisoners in Jesus’ Day. Stubbs writes at how difference the experience was in the ancient world:

“For Jesus’ listeners, the risks of visiting incarcerated people were enormous. Anyone who brought a prisoner much-needed food, clothing, medical care, comfort, or hope risked being seen as guilty by association, imprisoned, or even killed.”

It’s an eye-opening account of what it meant to visit prisoners in the first century—and a valuable reminder of our duty to continue visiting prisoners today.

For guidance on loving the incarcerated, check out Ministry to Prisoners and the Newly Released. You’ll learn practical ways your church can make a difference.