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  EXPOSITORY THOUGHTS ON LUKE - LUKE 15:1-10
  by J.C. Ryle
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CONTENT
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THE PARABLES OF THE LOST SHEEP, AND THE LOST COIN

The chapter which begins with these verses is well known to Bible
readers if any is in the Scriptures. Few chapters perhaps have done more
good to the souls of men. Let us take heed that it does good to us.

We should first observe in these verses, the striking testimony which
was borne to our Lord by His enemies. We read that when "all the
publicans and sinners drew near to hear Him, the Scribes and Pharisees
murmured, saying, This man receives sinners, and eats with them."

These words were evidently spoken with surprise and scorn, and not with
pleasure and admiration. These ignorant guides of the Jews could not
understand a preacher of religion having anything to do with wicked
people! Yet their words worked for good. The very saying which was meant
for a reproach was adopted by the Lord Jesus as a true description of
His office. It led to His speaking three of the most instructive
parables which ever fell from His lips.

The testimony of the Scribes and Pharisees was strictly and literally
true. The Lord Jesus is indeed one that "receives sinners." He receives
them to pardon them, to sanctify them, and to make them fit for heaven.
It is His special office to do so. For this end He came into the world.
He came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. He came
into the world to save sinners. What He was upon earth He is now at the
right hand of God, and will be to all eternity. He is emphatically the
sinner\

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/jc-ryle/expository-thoughts-on-luke-luke-151-10/
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