Luke 15, which ends with the parable of the two lost sons (“Prodigal Son”), opens this way:

Many dishonest tax collectors and other notorious sinners often gathered around to listen as Jesus taught the people. This raised concerns with the Jewish religious leaders and experts of the law. Indignant, they grumbled and complained, saying, “Look at how this man associates with all these notorious sinners and welcomes them all to come to him!” (Luke 15.1, 2, (Passion Translation)

“Welcomes them all to come to him!” Intended as an indictment, I’m sure Jesus heard it as a compliment. This, of course, is the introduction to the three stories:

• The lost sheep: lost outside the house and knew it was lost
• The lost coin: lost inside the house and didn’t know it was lost
• The two lost sons
  • One lost outside the house
  • One lost inside the house

Jesus welcomes all and tries to redeem all, including the misguided religious leaders.

Study the law of the Lord, do it, teach it…if someone doesn’t know the teaching, teach them! (See Ezra 7.10 and 25) But how can you teach them if you’re not around them? I have a weekly meeting with a kid who doesn’t do mathematics well! Do I surround myself only with fellow mathematicians? Then how does math get taught?

When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.” (Luke 19.5 – 7, NIV)