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Luke 15:2
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Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Receiveth sinners - Προσδεχεται. He receives them cordially, affectionately - takes them to his bosom; for so the word implies. What mercy! Jesus receives sinners in the most loving, affectionate manner, and saves them unto eternal life! Reader, give glory to God for ever!
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
murmured, saying, &c.--took it ill, were scandalized at Him, and insinuated (on the principle that a man is known by the company he keeps) that He must have some secret sympathy with their character. But oh, what a truth of unspeakable preciousness do their lips, as on other occasions, unconsciously utter., Now follow three parables representing the sinner: (1) in his stupidity; (2) as all-unconscious of his lost condition; (3) knowingly and willingly estranged from God [BENGEL]. The first two set forth the seeking love of God; the last, His receiving love [TRENCH].
John Gill Bible Commentary
And the Pharisees and Scribes murmured,.... When they saw the easy access these wicked men had to Christ; and that he stopped and stayed with them, and very freely imparted instructions to them: saying, this man receiveth sinners. The Persic version reads, "publicans and sinners", as in the preceding verse: the word "man" is not in the original text, it is only "this"; which is to be understood not by way of eminence, as this great person, this prophet, this master in Israel; but by way of diminution and reproach, this fellow; as it is sometimes supplied: the word "man" be very rightly inserted, for they took him to be a mere man; though it is certain he was more than a man, even the true and mighty God; and therefore was able to save those sinners that came to him: and great condescension and grace did he show in receiving them who were "sinners", not only by nature, but by practice; and not merely guilty of common infirmities, but were notorious sinners, covetous, extortioners, oppressors of the poor, and very debauched persons; and such as these Christ "receives": hence no man should be discouraged from coming to Christ, on account of sin; all that do come to him, should come as sinners, for he receives them as such; nor does he receive any for any worthiness there is in them: these persons he received first at his Father's hand, as he did all the elect, as his portion, and to be preserved and saved by him; with all gifts, grace, blessings, and promises for them; and in consequence of this, he receives them upon their coming to him as sinners, into his open love and affection, into his arms; which denotes communion and protection; into his house and family, and not only to hear him preach, or preached, but to converse and eat with him at his table, and even to live by faith upon him; and when he has freed them from all their sins, he will receive them to himself in glory. And there is the greatest reason imaginable to believe, that Christ still does, and will receive sinners; since he came to save the chief of sinners; and has bore their sins, and died for them; and now makes intercession for transgressors; and by the ministers of the word calls sinners to repentance. And eateth with them; as he did in the houses of Matthew the publican, and of Zaccheus; see Mat 9:10 each of which occasioned great murmurings among the Pharisees; and who therefore traduced him as a friend of publicans and sinners; and he is indeed so in the best sense: and not only did he eat with them corporeally, but in a spiritual sense, as he still does; admitting them into his house to eat of the provisions of it, to live on him the bread of life, to sup with him, and he with them; and feeding and delighting himself in the exercise of those graces, which he himself is the donor and author of, in them.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
15:2 In their self-righteous hard-heartedness, the Pharisees and teachers of religious law did not care about lost people. Jesus embodied the heart of God, who longs for his wayward children to return.
Luke 15:2
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
1Now all the tax collectors and sinners were gathering around to listen to Jesus.2So the Pharisees and scribes began to grumble: “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
An Appeal to Sinners
By C.H. Spurgeon6.3K48:56JOB 8:14JOB 39:13ISA 64:6MAT 6:33MRK 10:47LUK 15:2JHN 11:43In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the benevolence of God and His desire to save sinners. He describes how Jesus, out of love and sorrow, willingly went to the grave in mortal flesh to dwell among the dead. The preacher urges sinners to look at the cross and see the sacrifice Jesus made for them, shedding His blood and experiencing immense suffering. He exhorts the listeners to acknowledge their own sinfulness and trust in Jesus for salvation, emphasizing the importance of repentance and belief in Christ. The preacher also addresses those who consider themselves righteous, stating that his message is primarily for those who recognize their need for salvation.
(The Foundation and the Building) the Most Important Thing in Life
By Zac Poonen2.1K1:00:29MAT 6:24LUK 15:21CO 15:472CO 4:10COL 4:21TH 5:16In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a Christlike attitude and values. He challenges the audience to not just passively listen to the message, but to allow it to transform their entire lives. The speaker encourages the audience to study the life of Jesus and align their attitudes towards praise, money, and sinful people with His example. He also warns against prioritizing evangelism without living a Christlike life, as it can undermine the message being preached. The sermon concludes with a call to always rejoice, bear the dying of Jesus, and pray, highlighting the importance of consistently living out these principles.
How to Handle Persecution
By Danny Bond1.6K45:52PersecutionLUK 14:14LUK 15:2ACT 4:14ACT 4:37In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Acts 4:14-22 and discusses how the early church faced persecution for their faith. He emphasizes the importance of not watering down the gospel to make the church popular, as the church was never meant to be popular. The preacher highlights the example of Peter, who was filled with the Holy Spirit and boldly proclaimed the truth, even in the face of opposition from religious leaders. He encourages believers to be compliant, filled with the Spirit, and aggressive in seizing opportunities to share the gospel, just like the early church did.
Samson
By William MacDonald1.1K42:09SamsonNUM 6:2LUK 7:38LUK 15:2JAS 2:10In this sermon, the preacher discusses the cycle of sin and redemption that is seen throughout the book of Judges. He emphasizes that sin enslaves us and leads to a cycle of rebellion, retribution, repentance, and rest. The preacher uses the example of a boy named Johnny who lies to escape punishment for killing his mother's favorite duck, highlighting the tendency to lie to avoid consequences. He also addresses other sins such as cheating, profanity, lust, anger, and hatred, emphasizing the need for repentance and turning to God for forgiveness. The sermon concludes with the reminder that Jesus taught the importance of love and warned against the destructive nature of sin.
The Fall of Noah
By J.B. Buffington0GEN 6:8GEN 7:1LUK 15:21CO 10:12GAL 6:1HEB 11:71JN 1:9J.B. Buffington preaches on 'The Fall of Noah,' highlighting Noah's righteousness, faith, and relationship with God amidst a wicked generation. The sermon delves into Noah's involvement in building the ark, his longevity, and the one-time sin of drunkenness after the flood. It emphasizes the importance of humility, accountability, and the consequences of relaxation leading to sin. The sermon also explores the contrasting responses of Ham, Shem, and Japheth to their father's sin, emphasizing the need for love, respect, and discretion in dealing with fallen leaders, as instructed in the Bible.
Never Cast Out
By C.H. Spurgeon0AcceptanceGracePSA 34:18ISA 1:18MAT 11:28LUK 15:2JHN 6:37ROM 5:82CO 5:17EPH 2:81TI 1:15HEB 4:16C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the unwavering promise of Jesus to never cast out those who come to Him, highlighting that throughout history, no one has ever been turned away. He reassures believers that regardless of their weaknesses, sins, or the state of their prayers, Jesus welcomes all who approach Him with sincerity. Spurgeon encourages everyone, whether seasoned in faith or new seekers, to come to Jesus boldly, as He is always ready to receive them without rejection. The sermon serves as a reminder of the boundless grace and acceptance found in Christ, urging listeners to trust in His promise of welcome.
Closing Address on Communion Sabbath, January 27, 1889.
By Andrew Bonar0ProphecySecond Coming Of ChristJOB 42:3ISA 29:18MAT 27:42LUK 15:2JHN 4:25JHN 11:502CO 3:182PE 1:191JN 3:2REV 7:17Andrew Bonar emphasizes the prophetic role of Christ in his closing address on Communion Sabbath, reflecting on the Samaritan woman's statement about the coming Prophet. He highlights the hope of Christ's Second Coming, where He will reveal the mysteries of God and provide clarity on the Scriptures and our lives. Bonar encourages believers to hasten towards this day, reminding them of the fulfillment of God's promises and the joy of being in His presence. He also urges sinners to come to Christ for salvation, warning of the consequences of neglecting this opportunity. The sermon serves as a reminder of the importance of faith and the anticipation of Christ's return.
Pharisees Do Not Mingle With Sinful People
By Zac Poonen0MAT 5:16MAT 9:11MAT 28:19MRK 2:16LUK 7:34LUK 15:2Zac Poonen preaches about the importance of being like Jesus, who was known as the 'Friend of sinners', contrasting the Pharisees' attitude of isolation from sinners. He emphasizes the need to be friendly with all, including sinners, in order to share the gospel and win them to the Lord. Zac highlights how Jesus spent time with sinful people, engaging with them without being defiled because His righteousness was inward, challenging listeners to reflect on their own impact in bringing others to Christ and to overcome Phariseeism to be effective in God's kingdom.
Self-Inquiry
By J.C. Ryle0Spiritual GrowthSelf-ExaminationPRO 23:18EZK 33:31MAT 11:28MAT 15:8MAT 21:30LUK 15:2JHN 3:36JHN 15:4ACT 15:36HEB 12:14J.C. Ryle emphasizes the necessity of self-inquiry in the Christian life, urging believers to reflect on their spiritual state and relationship with God. He draws from Acts 15:36, where Paul proposes to revisit the churches to assess their faith and growth. Ryle highlights the abundance of spiritual privileges in the present age, yet warns of the dangers of mere outward profession without true heart-religion. He challenges readers to consider their thoughts, actions, and the authenticity of their faith, ultimately calling for a deeper communion with Christ and readiness for His return.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Receiveth sinners - Προσδεχεται. He receives them cordially, affectionately - takes them to his bosom; for so the word implies. What mercy! Jesus receives sinners in the most loving, affectionate manner, and saves them unto eternal life! Reader, give glory to God for ever!
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
murmured, saying, &c.--took it ill, were scandalized at Him, and insinuated (on the principle that a man is known by the company he keeps) that He must have some secret sympathy with their character. But oh, what a truth of unspeakable preciousness do their lips, as on other occasions, unconsciously utter., Now follow three parables representing the sinner: (1) in his stupidity; (2) as all-unconscious of his lost condition; (3) knowingly and willingly estranged from God [BENGEL]. The first two set forth the seeking love of God; the last, His receiving love [TRENCH].
John Gill Bible Commentary
And the Pharisees and Scribes murmured,.... When they saw the easy access these wicked men had to Christ; and that he stopped and stayed with them, and very freely imparted instructions to them: saying, this man receiveth sinners. The Persic version reads, "publicans and sinners", as in the preceding verse: the word "man" is not in the original text, it is only "this"; which is to be understood not by way of eminence, as this great person, this prophet, this master in Israel; but by way of diminution and reproach, this fellow; as it is sometimes supplied: the word "man" be very rightly inserted, for they took him to be a mere man; though it is certain he was more than a man, even the true and mighty God; and therefore was able to save those sinners that came to him: and great condescension and grace did he show in receiving them who were "sinners", not only by nature, but by practice; and not merely guilty of common infirmities, but were notorious sinners, covetous, extortioners, oppressors of the poor, and very debauched persons; and such as these Christ "receives": hence no man should be discouraged from coming to Christ, on account of sin; all that do come to him, should come as sinners, for he receives them as such; nor does he receive any for any worthiness there is in them: these persons he received first at his Father's hand, as he did all the elect, as his portion, and to be preserved and saved by him; with all gifts, grace, blessings, and promises for them; and in consequence of this, he receives them upon their coming to him as sinners, into his open love and affection, into his arms; which denotes communion and protection; into his house and family, and not only to hear him preach, or preached, but to converse and eat with him at his table, and even to live by faith upon him; and when he has freed them from all their sins, he will receive them to himself in glory. And there is the greatest reason imaginable to believe, that Christ still does, and will receive sinners; since he came to save the chief of sinners; and has bore their sins, and died for them; and now makes intercession for transgressors; and by the ministers of the word calls sinners to repentance. And eateth with them; as he did in the houses of Matthew the publican, and of Zaccheus; see Mat 9:10 each of which occasioned great murmurings among the Pharisees; and who therefore traduced him as a friend of publicans and sinners; and he is indeed so in the best sense: and not only did he eat with them corporeally, but in a spiritual sense, as he still does; admitting them into his house to eat of the provisions of it, to live on him the bread of life, to sup with him, and he with them; and feeding and delighting himself in the exercise of those graces, which he himself is the donor and author of, in them.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
15:2 In their self-righteous hard-heartedness, the Pharisees and teachers of religious law did not care about lost people. Jesus embodied the heart of God, who longs for his wayward children to return.