1Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. 2But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them” (Luke 15:1-2).
The way the Pharisees and the teachers of the law spoke the words written above was with much venom and disgust. The Greek word diagongyzō is translated as muttered in verse 2. It meant to complain or grumble (aloud). They voiced their disdain so much that the ordinary people could hear their disgust. I'm sure Christ's heart went out to the tax collectors and ‘sinners’ that he was seeking to reach, that they might know God’s heart towards them is one of love and mercy extended.
The Jewish people saw tax collectors as being turncoats. They were making money hand over fist, working for the Romans to tax their Jewish brothers and sisters. They were sometimes ranked with prostitutes (Matthew 21:32) and considered the lowest of the low. In the passage above, those whom Jesus sought to reach were called “sinners” to describe those bonded to a sinful lifestyle. The original Greek word described an irreligious, immoral person who didn't care about the observance of ceremonial duties.
Much of the population had given up trying to keep the rules and regulations the traditions of the elders imposed on the ordinary people. It is the same today in many countries—just different religions. The rules were so numerous and nonsensical that they became a heavy burden. Many felt alienated and far away from God. When Jesus came preaching about God’s love for lost and unloved sinners, His words drew the ordinary people to Him. We don't know what Jesus looked like, but His personality was and is attractive; He is altogether lovely (Song of Solomon 5:16). When those caught in their sin looked at the Scribes and Pharisees, their scowls showed no godliness or grace. There was no accepting attitude. They did not see God's love in the religious leaders. People know when they are loved. When they looked at Christ, He had an open heart and welcomed sinners eagerly. The orthodox Jews had written off the tax collectors and sinners as worthy of the fires of hell, but God is gracious and extends kindness to men. He takes the initiative to seek those alienated from Him.
But God does not take away life; instead, he devises ways so that a banished person may not remain estranged from him (2 Samuel 14:14).
The beautiful truth the above passage communicates is that the creator of the Universe has devised ways to reach out to each of us. I believe God has arranged situations in your life and mine to awaken us from spiritual slumber and reveal Himself to us. God uses the difficulties you are experiencing to shake you out of spiritual lethargy, forcing you to wake up to the reality of a God who is seeking to draw you closer to Himself. How far will you go before you turn to the One who welcomes sinners? Keith Thomas