S – All the tax collectors and sinners were approaching to listen to him. ² And the Pharisees and scribes were complaining, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them

Luke 15:1–2 CSB

O – The three stories in Luke 15 (Lost sheep, coin, prodigal son) are all told in response to these two verses.  The tax collectors (Jews despised because they worked for the Romans) and sinners (anyone who hadn’t repented.). The tax collectors could easily be picked out the sinners might look like someone you and I know. The key to setting up this whole chapter is the lack of heart the religious leaders had for other people.  They looked down on them and created distance.  “Welcomes” means to endure, admit, and give hospitality to.  Jesus did all that because his compassion for them allowed him to have a relationship with them so they could hopefully know God.

A – I must continue to put myself in situations with people outside the church.  It is easy for me as a pastor to be defined only by church relationships.  I must find ways to build relationships outside the church.

R – Lord, help me to do this.