The NIV 365 Day Devotional
Why Did Jesus Associate With the Lowest People of Society?
Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” Luke 15:1–2 (read Luke 15:1-32)
The religious leaders hurled an insult at Jesus when they spat out, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them” (Luke 15:2). What they meant as an attack on Jesus’ bold claims about himself was to him a simple statement of truth.
The Jews looked down upon tax collectors, whom they considered traitors for conspiring with the Romans. For Jesus to associate with them and other notorious sinners—even sharing meals with them—shocked the religious leaders. They couldn’t understand how someone who claimed to be God could associate with the dregs of society.
Jesus responded to the Pharisees’ disgust by telling them the parables of the “lost.” In contrast to the Pharisees, who viewed themselves as the elite in society, Jesus showed his concern for society’s social outcasts. These parables also reveal that his seeking and receiving sinners pleases God.
The parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin illustrate that Jesus takes the initiative when seeking out the “lost”; and when they are “found,” there is great rejoicing. The parable of the lost son continues these two themes but adds a third: the resentment of the older brother—who represents the Pharisees, who could not comprehend the meaning of forgiveness. Jesus is the central figure in these parables (the shepherd, woman and father); it is his love that prompts him, no matter the sacrifice, to gather the “lost” to himself. As his mission is being accomplished, those who share Jesus’ heart of compassion rejoice with him.
Jesus’ desire is to take God’s grace to those who need it the most. His inclusiveness was a sharp contrast to the exclusiveness of the Pharisees. By befriending sinners and the social outcasts of society, Jesus reflected the love that God has for all people.
Taken from the NIV Case for Christ New Testament with Psalms and Proverbs.