Luke 15, which ends with the parable of the two lost sons (“Prodigal Son”), opens this way:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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, \u201cLook at how this man associates with all these notorious sinners and welcomes them all to come to him!\u201d<\/em> (Luke 15.1, 2, (Passion Translation<\/em>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWelcomes them all to come to him!\u201d <\/em>Intended as an indictment, I\u2019m sure Jesus heard it as a compliment. This, of course, is the introduction to the three stories:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jesus welcomes all and tries to redeem all, including the misguided religious leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Study the law of the Lord, do it, teach it…if someone doesn\u2019t know the teaching, teach them!<\/em> (See Ezra 7.10<\/a> and 25<\/a>) But how can you teach them if you\u2019re 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?<\/p>\n\n\n\n When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, \u201cZacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.\u201d So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. All the people saw this and began to mutter, \u201cHe has gone to be the guest of a sinner.\u201d (Luke 19.5 – 7, NIV)<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 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, \u201cLook … Continue reading Jesus welcomes all<\/span>