Luke 15:1–2 – This Man Receiveth Sinners
- Sep 23, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 5
The gospel reveals a Saviour who does not stand at a distance from sinners, but moves toward them with authority, compassion, and saving power.
This article is adapted from a message preached on September 24, 2025. Watch the full sermon on YouTube.
Luke records that publicans and sinners drew near to the Lord Jesus for one reason. They came to hear Him. He was the centre of attraction. He was, and remains, the greatest person who ever walked this earth.
If an announcement were made that Jesus Christ was present in Ottawa, many would gather. The truth is, He is here. As the gospel is preached, salvation from sin is proclaimed through a living person. Salvation is found in Jesus Christ alone, and He is present with the power and authority to save.
The people who came were not the respected or religious elite. They were publicans and sinners. They were the outcasts. Yet the word “sinner” applies to every one of us. We have all missed the mark. We have all fallen short of God’s standard.
“This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.” — Luke 15:2
Falling Short of God’s Standard
God has a standard, and that standard is seen perfectly in the life of Christ. It does not matter how good or how bad a person may appear. One sin is enough to fall short.
Like a child unable to reach the height requirement for a ride, falling short means exclusion. Because we fall short of God’s standard, we cannot enter heaven in our sins. That is why we need a Saviour. We need someone to take our place.
Dead and Lost
In Luke 15, the Lord Jesus speaks of a lost sheep, a lost coin, and a lost son. Together they describe the condition of sinners. They are dead, and they are lost.
The father says of his returning son, “This my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.” To be lost is to be separated from God, with no link to heaven. Sin has left us without life toward God and without connection to Him.
Salvation gives life and restores that link. It brings sinners into the family of God.
Hearing His Voice
Luke tells us why they came. They came to hear Him. The voice of Christ is a voice of authority. When He speaks, He speaks as the Son of God. His word carries the ability to save. Salvation does not rest on the words of men, but on the word of Christ Himself.
Murmuring That Revealed His Heart
The religious leaders murmured against Him. They intended to discredit Him, but instead they revealed the desire of His heart.
They called Him a friend of publicans and sinners. They criticized Him for going into the homes of sinners. They mocked Him at the cross. Yet every accusation exposed a glorious truth. Christ came for sinners. He had to die, or no one could be saved.
Heaven Moves Toward Sinners
The parable that follows shows heaven in motion. A shepherd goes after a sheep. A woman searches for a coin. A father runs to meet his son. Heaven does not wait passively. Heaven moves toward sinners.
God is not distant. In the gospel, heaven draws near.
The Man They Spoke Of
“This man” is the Son of God. He is not merely a teacher or an example. He came down from heaven.
He is also the sinless One. Those who died beside Him testified that He had done nothing amiss. He had no sins of His own to answer for.
He is the sacrifice for sin. When He died on the cross, He was not dying for Himself. He was dying for a guilty world. His sacrifice was once and final, fully satisfying God’s justice so that mercy could flow freely.
Receiving the Saviour
“This man receiveth sinners.” Background does not matter. Past sins do not matter. The door is open wide.
He is willing to receive you. The question is whether you are willing to receive Him. To receive Christ is to receive salvation, forgiveness, and new life.
Salvation comes in a moment. A moment of repentance. A moment of reception. A moment of rejoicing. Heaven rejoices when a sinner turns to God, and the saved sinner rejoices as well, knowing their sins are forgiven forever.
