Luke 15:1-2
Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. 2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.
These are the opening lines before Jesus gave the parable of the Lost Sheep, the Lost Silver, and the Lost Son. He was about to share one of the most memorable parables in all of Scripture, and this statement was the reason for His reply.
Jesus receives all men who will come to Him—those like Nicodemus, in the upper crust of society, and those like Matthew, a traitor and tax collector. It matters not if you are a religious leader or a sinner; Jesus will receive you. Today, won’t you draw near to Him and hear what He has to say? You might be surprised to find that He has been expecting you the whole time.
Recall Zacchaeus, a publican and sinner. Didn’t Jesus receive and eat with him? He did, Jesus came to him, right to the tree where he was perched, called him out, and invited Himself over for dinner. Wasn’t it Matthew who sat at the seat of customs, exacting money from his countrymen, when Jesus walked right up to him in the midst of his treachery, called him to follow Him, and that man went on to give us the Gospel of Matthew?
Think of Paul, the religious sinner—an exactor, not of money, but of the laws and traditions of his sect. Jesus came to him, knocked him off his high horse, and used him to write the largest portion of the New Testament. The Bible is full of examples of Him receiving sinners. Now, what sin do you suppose He would reject you for? Are you a murderer? He has received murderers. Are you an adulterer? He has received adulterers. Even if you are the chief of sinners, He has come for you! (1 Timothy 1:15-16).
While this was murmured under the breath of the scribes and Pharisees, it ought to be shouted from the rooftops by us in this hour:“This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.”
Today, won’t you draw near and hear Him? Lost sheep, He is searching for you. He has left the ninety-and-nine to find you, in whatever ditch you may be trapped. He will lift you out, carry you to His flock, bind up your wounds, and set you down in green pastures. You are as valuable to Him as silver—nay, greater! As valuable as a son. Come home today! He will receive you, clothe you in righteousness, feed you, honor you, and all of heaven will rejoice over the one sinner that repents.
Oh, for the wonderful love He has promised,Promised for you and for me!Though we have sinned, He has mercy and pardon—Pardon for you and for me!
Come home! come home!Ye who are weary, come home!Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,Calling, O sinner, come home!
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