Amazing! You’re back with me. 

We established last week that the Jews looked upon tax collectors with disdain.  They saw them as traitors. Tax collectors were considered defiled by their constant contact with the heathen. They were not allowed in the synagogues or the Temple, nor could they testify in a court of law.

A tax collector (or “publican” as they were often called) disgraced his whole family. You were warned never to keep promises with him.

That’s why Jesus knows they will understand when he gives instructions about the process of reconciling with a brother who sins against you.

Step one—go to your brother and try to work it out between the two of you. Didn’t work?

Step two—take one or two others with you to talk and serve as witnesses. Still doesn’t work?

Step three—take the matter to the church.

“…and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector. Matthew 18:17

Once again, Jesus lumps the tax collector with the pagan, the non-believer. The actions of both are not acceptable.

Yet as despicable as tax collectors are, Jesus has a heart for them.

Now the tax collectors and “sinners” were all gathering around to hear him. But the Pharisees and teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” Luke 15:1-2

The Pharisees would only give reputable people the honor of being invited into their homes. Certainly not this kind of riffraff!

Jesus teaches them through a parable:

“Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?” Luke 15:3-4

Jesus goes on to explain about the care of the shepherd and the joy of finding that lost sheep. Then he tells about a woman:

“Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? Luke 15:8

Jesus compares the joy of finding these things to the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. In Luke, he says :

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” Luke 19:10

He recognizes that the tax collector is lost in his sin, but that’s exactly the kind of person Jesus came to help.

What about us? Can you picture a person who you would consider riffraff? Someone you would never invite to your home? Is there a way to reach out to that person?

If we are to  follow our Good Shepherd, that would include doing what He did. Our task then? Bring the lost to Him!

~ Joyce ~