photo #9017882

"THIS MAN RECEIVETH SINNERS""And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them." (Luke 15:2)Notice those here, that considered themselves the custodians of God's Word, making a feeble attempt to throw mud on our Saviour's character. This religious crowd was constantly on the prowl and ever on the look-out for a slip up from this Man from Heaven; but found none. These were the ones that the Lord Jesus had in mind when he said, "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." (Matthew 7:15)See them over and over throughout the Gospels eyeing His every move. Watch them as they take note of each word He uttered. Hear them again and again as they try to tie Jesus up with foolish and stupid questions. But the common people, oh the common people heard Him gladly. They were astonished at His doctrine. We hear them say, "Never man spake like this man." or "What manner of man is this?" and "Whence hath this man this wisdom?" That was the talk among folks like you and I back in those days.Well, the Pharisees and the Scribes had had enough of it. So, what do they do? With all the religious training they had amassed and with great eloquence they come up with the following statement, "THIS MAN RECEIVETH SINNERS!"Wow, is that the best thing you can come up with Mr. Hypocrite. Do you think for one minute that you're going to teach us born again believers a thing or two about how the Grace of God saved and sealed us? Is that going to cause us to run for the hills and have nothing to do with Him? I think not!"THIS MAN RECEIVETH SINNERS." Why, that's the very reason we CAME to Him. That's why we CHERISH Him. And that's why, yes, that's why we CLING to Him every moment.Friends, aren't thankful, I mean aren't you eternally grateful that the Man from the Ivory Palaces is the same Man that receiveth sinners?Then let your redeemed soul sing that glorious hymn that P.P. Bliss wrote:♫ "Man of Sorrows," what a name For the Son of God who came Ruined sinners to reclaim Hal-le-lu-jah! what a Saviour! ♫