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Lost Sheep and the Good Shepherd - Luke 15
Lost Sheep and the Good Shepherd - Luke 15
This man receives sinners. In the culture which Jesus lived, eating with people was a main status indication. Such indicated that the person was on an equal social status, and hence a ‘peer’. Such social customs are not to be held as God’s will.
On a personal level, Jesus has no peers as such. He resides in a unique situation and role! He was NOT a sinner (cp. 1 Peter 2.22 below). I AM a sinner, once dead in sin (Eph. 2:1-2; Col. 2:9-13, etc.) Yet, through the sacrificial death of Jesus I am a forgiven child of God.
Jesus receives sinners, but does not partake in their sinful activities. He also, while in the flesh, forgave sins ( Mark 9:2-6, etc.). NOW, He is our resurrected and glorified Savior, redeemer, high priest, king, and Lord.
Thus Peter could write : ”22 who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth;
23 and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously;
24 and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.
25 For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.” ( 1 Peter 2:22-25)
Yes, Jesus will accept us, but on His terms which include the great commission requirements of trust, repentance, confession, and baptism (cp. Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16, Luke 24:44-46). Such conversion and salvation also include being taught to keep all of His teachings, which requires the transformation of our lives, raised to walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:3-4; the putting off of the old man and the renewing of our mind (Eph. 4:17-21), etc. We are now a child of God and are to perfect holiness in our living (2 Cor. 7:1). As obedient children we are to be holy (1 Peter 1:14-16).
We are thankful that Jesus did receive sinners.
Hugh DeLong
