When God Says …
“Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.” (Luke 15:1-2 KJV).
Our Lord Jesus, with these passages set the stage for the parables on lost things by highlighting the contrast between our Lord’s welcoming attitude toward sinners amidst the religious leaders' grumbling. Tax collectors, who were called publicans, and outcasts or sinners were drawn to the Lord Jesus, while the Pharisees and Sadducees criticized Him for associating with them, prompting the Lord to reveal God's heart for the lost.
This is such a profound picture of grace, where our Lord Jesus Christ welcomes sinners, while the self-righteous, religious Pharisees and lawyers murmur with judgments. It stresses that while the Law, as it is observed, demands work to be righteous, Grace supplies it in faith. Revealing our Lord as the Friend of sinners, this scene introduces parables showcasing God's joy in seeking the lost. He welcomes sinners not to condone their sin, but to bestow grace.
The Pharisees, the priests and the Sadducees represent the law and religion (demanding and proud), while the sinners who draw near the Lord represent those who know they need grace, coming to hear Him, as their Savior. This therefore, calls all mankind to believe and leave the "world" of legalism, of performance and of religion to enter God's kingdom of extravagant grace. This, Apostle Paul testifies, as it is written: “The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 1:14 NIV).
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC.
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
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