Luke 15:1-2
Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.

I am so glad that Jesus receives sinners and that He does not cast them off with contempt as other people would. I am so glad that Jesus has a heart of love and compassion for those lost sheep, for I am a sinner, and therefore Jesus will receive me. He will take me into His care as my gracious Shepherd and He will tend to those great needs I have in my sinfulness and my weakness. He does not look at me as untouchable, unlovable, or unredeemable. He doesn’t consider time spent with me to be beneath Him.

Just as Jesus came to these sinners and met their great need for salvation, forgiveness, and cleansing, He has done the same for me. I am so glad that now Jesus allows me to draw near and does not keep me at arm’s length, but opens wide His arms of love. I am so glad I have a Savior who will be with me to lead me and guide me through this life, who will help me with my many struggles and burdens. I am so glad that Jesus freely invites me into His presence and I can sit at His feet and learn of Him, that I can experience His mercy each day, that I can serve Him as He leads me through my days and hours.

What a difference it makes to treat people with kindness and patience, as Jesus did, and not the harsh and unloving attitudes of the Pharisees. No wonder so many were drawn to Him. No wonder the crowds gathered and the needy pushed toward Him. No wonder outcasts could draw near and the unacceptable could cry out and receive a response. No wonder my hardened heart was broken by His love and mercy so that I could have a relationship with Him and gladly and gratefully call Jesus my Savior and Lord.