Jesus welcomes ‘sinners’!
Scripture reading for October 24: Luke 13-15
“Now the tax collectors and “sinners” were all gathering around to hear Him (Jesus). But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” Luke15:1-2
Are you a person who welcomes sinners? Are you comfortable around those that the culture would consider outcasts or unacceptable? Would those who are “sinners” see you as a person that they would feel comfortable hanging out with? These questions that get us to thinking about our scripture reading.
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to seek and save the “lost” of this world. Sin has come to every man because of Adam (not Eve!). (Romans 5:12-14) As Jesus responded the religious leaders who complained about His hanging around sinners, He told them three parables to help them understand the heart of God for those who were lost. The first parable was about a man who had a hundred sheep and found out that one of them was missing. He left the main flock to go and search for the lost sheep. When he found that lost sheep, he called friends and neighbors together and celebrated! The moral of this story was that there was joy in heaven over one lost person being restored! (Luke 15:7)
Another parable concerned a woman who had lost one of ten silver coins. She searched diligently in her house until finding it and then invited friends to rejoice with her for her restored savings! The same bottom line is emphasized. There is joy in heaven over one sinner who repents! (Luke 15:10)
The final parable concerned a man who had two sons. One wanted his inheritance right now. His father gave him the money and he left to squander it on loose living. He ended up eating with pigs to satisfy his hunger! This lost son decided to go back to his father and beg for mercy. The father was watching for his lost son, saw him coming, and ran to meet him. After a brief apology, the father restored this son and threw a party of celebration! This parable represented God’s heart for His lost children.
We truly have a Friend in Jesus Christ. He loves lost people. Our Father in heaven sent Him to help all who will to return home to Father’s House. If you are not “home”, let Him welcome you today! His arms are open wide! Admit you are a “sinner” and His mercy will welcome you.
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