1. 'This man welcomes sinners' (1-2)

Jesus' grace attracted public sinners like flies to honey. He welcomed them, ate with them, and even called them to be his disciples. They became new people because of Jesus' grace and truth. This made self-righteous people uncomfortable. They thought Jesus was a bad influence and lawbreaker himself! Shouldn't he condemn sinners as they did? Isn't that what God wanted?

2. 'Rejoice with me' (3-10)

Jesus wanted to help self-righteous people understand the heart of God who sent his Son to save sinners. So, he gave two parables of someone who lost something important to them. When it was found after great effort, they wanted to celebrate with everyone close to them. Likely the celebration cost more than the value of what was lost! But it didn't matter on account of their joy. This is the heart of God towards sinners who repent: he wants all his people, even angels, to share his great joy over a lost sinner who is now found.


Application: Father, thank you for Jesus who came to save sinners like me. Help me share your joy over every sinner who repents.
One Word: Learning God's heart