Tag: Jesus and sinners
This Man Welcomes Sinners!
Scripture reading for October 26th: 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 are interesting questions that get us to thinking about our scripture reading in Luke today.
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to seek and save the “lost” of this world. Of course, we all are lost! No one is really right with God. Sin has come to every man because of Adam (not Eve!). (Romans 5:12-14) But not everyone is ready to recognize and admit that they are “sinners” and “lost”. Satan’s trick of blinding minds through pride and the lies of this world keeps many in bondage. (2nd Corinthians 4:4) Jesus cannot save those who will not willingly come to Him.
When He walked the earth, He sought out people who were open to His message of the Kingdom. It was on one of those occasions that Jesus responded to the muttering of the religious leaders 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 told by Jesus at this time 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 got himself into a mess, even needing to eat 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! Wow! What a picture of the heart of our Father in heaven!
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.