Jesus receives sinners

 "And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, 'This Man receives sinners and eats with them.' (Luke 15:2)

These true words were spoken by those with a false heart: the Pharisees, the scribes, and they said these words not to encourage repentant sinners but to complain about Jesus. They were not happy that Jesus received sinners.

For the repentant sinner, this is good news, an encouraging, reassuring word. If Jesus receives sinners, then they will not hesitate to go to Him. He received sinners who came to Him not to justify their sins but to listen to Him. Those who listened to Him would no longer remain sinners. The Holy One received sinners to make them holy.

Even now He receives sinners. The words of the complaining Pharisees are an important reminder for repentant sinners: 'This Man receives sinners and eats with them.''

From my diary,

October 2,  2023