This Man Receives Sinners – The Welcome of Luke 15
- Ottawa Gospel Hall
- Sep 23
- 1 min read
Luke 15 opens with a line that scandalized the religious crowd: “This man receiveth sinners and eateth with them.” The Pharisees murmured it as an accusation; the gospel receives it as a promise. Jesus—the sinless Son of God—draws near to the unworthy.
In the three scenes that follow, heaven moves toward the lost: a Shepherd who seeks a stray sheep, a Woman who searches for a lost coin, and a Father who runs to embrace a wandering son. Jesus is not waiting for you to climb up to God’s standard; He comes down to meet you in grace.
“This man receiveth sinners and eateth with them.” — Luke 15:2
Why is this good news? Because we’ve all “fallen short” of God’s perfect standard. Our sins have left us dead toward God (Ephesians 2:1) and disconnected from Him (Isaiah 59:2). But the cross shows how God can save the guilty and still be perfectly just: “Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) Jesus offered one sacrifice for sins for ever (Hebrews 10:12), so forgiveness is now preached to you through this Man (Acts 13:38).
The question is not whether Christ is willing to receive you—He is. The question is whether you will receive Him. “As many as received Him, to them gave He the right to become the children of God.” (John 1:12)
If you’re weighed down by guilt, hear His invitation: “Come unto Me… and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) Turn to Him in repentance and faith—and join the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents (Luke 15:7,10). This Man receives sinners. That includes you.
Watch the full message below to hear more.
