But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” (Luke 15:2)
There is much to be thankful for when considering our salvation. We who deserved it not, receive it by grace through faith and we receive it from the Holy, Perfect, and Undefiled, Son of the Most-High God. To be sure, that alone is too much to consider if we thought of nothing else for the rest of our lives. But there is something that strikes an even sweeter cord of Christ’s Cosmic Condescension . . . “This man welcomes sinners!” Think about “THIS MAN” for a few moments and I think you will agree.
- THIS MAN who is eternal God!
- THIS MAN who created all things!
- THIS MAN who sits at the right hand of the Father!
- THIS MAN before whom angels’ worship with veiled faces!
- THIS MAN who was and is and is to come!
- THIS MAN who is the Alpha and Omega!
The list is endless. Jesus is beyond human comprehension, yet our verse today seems to take us higher still, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” Let’s take a look at the cosmic condescension of this truth.
#1. He Welcomes Sinners
What drove the Pharisees and religious leaders mad about Jesus was His willingness to mingle with sinners. The driving force in their lives was to remain “clean & undefiled” according to the Old Testament prescriptions in the Law regarding ritual cleansing – and the first step was to stay clear of contact with sinners. The problem was they perverted the Law by seeing themselves as “clean & undefiled” because of what they did, rather than seeing themselves as “unclean & defiled” because of who they were . . . sinners in need of a Savior.
#2. And Eats With Them
As bad as it was for Jesus to welcome sinners in the minds of the Pharisees and religious leaders, it was beyond their comprehension why he would eat with them. Eating was a very symbolic act in the ancient world. It meant fellowship and friendship. It was an obvious sign of relationship. They simply could not imagine why Jesus would perform such an intimate act with such sinful people.
What cosmic condescension from our Lord Jesus Christ. Not only did Jesus welcome sinners just like you and me, but He offered table fellowship as well. Jesus allowed His reputation to be ruined in the eyes of the “up and in” simply to save the “down and out!” That’s you and me and that’s also a call for you and me to refuse to stay clear of those who are in desperate need of Christ.
This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
Grace for the Race 