Luke 15 is one of my favorite chapters in all the Bible. It contains 3 parables back to back to back from the mouth of Christ. These stories illustrate the truth that God is in love with people, sinful people. He longs to be reconnected to them through repentance.
The parables are introduced by a conflict the Jesus has the religious leaders. Christ is eating with those who the religious leaders shun. Culturally, this was a problem. The tax gatherers and sinners gathered together to listen to Christ. The leaders were shocked to say the least. They muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and even eats with them.” (Luke 15:2). How could He be a prophet or even a Rabbi since He hangs out with the worst of the worst, the sinners!
Upon hearing this, Christ speaks the 3 parables about restoration. Anyone who lost a lamb would leave the flock to go and search out for the one who is lost. Finding the lost lamb would be a reason to celebrate. Anyone loosing some valuables would search high and low for the lost items. Finding them would be a reason to celebrate. Anyone loosing a son through a family division would long to be restored to their loved one. Being reconciled would be a reason to celebrate. Christ applies these truths saying, “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:10).
God rejoices over those who turn from wickedness to follow Christ. If God loves people, shouldn’t we love people too? Christians have a reputation in this day and age of being judgmental, arrogant, condescending, and even possessing an attitude of superiority towards non-Christians. How can this be? Jesus seemed to be welcomed by the worst of the worst. The tax gatherers, prostitutes, and sinners seemed to enjoy the company of the Christ. May God give us the ability to love those who are outside the Church even welcoming them without compromising the truth of the gospel. Jesus is our great example. Help us Lord to proclaim Your truth with love.
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That verse, Luke 15:2, really is a striking commentary on the kind of people that Jesus has come for. And yet, we must understand, those are the ONLY kind of people that there are! It logically follows that Christ welcomes sinners and eats with them - there are no other types of people under the sun.
What a joy it is to know that Christ indeed welcomes us - lost sinners who repent of their sin - and is pleased to invite us to His table…
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