Publicans and Sinners Draw Near to Jesus - Luke 15:1

Luke the beloved physician wrote how Jesus said, “Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that has ears to hear, let him hear”, and in chapter fifteen and verse one of his book Luke wrote, “then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him” where we read:

Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.

The verse reads, “Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners ...” Luke began with the words, “then drew near unto him” or “at that time approached and joined themselves to Jesus” “all the publicans” which means “each, every, the whole and everyone of the tax collectors” “and sinners” or “and people who were devoted to sin, especially wicked and heathen”. Luke shared how people who were “tax collectors” and “especially wicked” approached Jesus.

The verse goes on to say, “... for to hear him.” Luke continued with the words, “for to hear” or “because, since and on account that the publicans and sinners desired to listen to, give audience to, hearken to and attend to” “him” which means “Jesus”. Luke shared the “listening to Jesus' words” was the reason the “publicans and sinners” wanted to approach Him.

When we think through Luke's words in this verse, we see how Jesus' life was attractive not only to “religious people”, but also to people who were “wicked” and very unpopular. Jesus came to die on the cross for “sinners”, and everyone has “sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (See Romans 3:23). Those who are wise will “gather themselves” unto Jesus like these “publicans and sinners”, listen to His words, ask Him for forgiveness and receive the promise of “eternal life” with God.

Next time Luke shares how, “Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receives sinners”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".