Preacher: The Rev. Aaron E. Yaeger

Micah 7:18–20 / 1 Peter 5:6–11 / Luke 15:1–10

Jesus Receives Sinners
“This man receives sinners and eats with them” (Luke 15:2). The Pharisees’ statement of judgment against Jesus is in fact a proclamation of Gospel truth. For our God is one who delights in mercy, who casts all our sins into the depths of the sea through the cross (Micah 7:18–20). “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Tim. 1:15). Jesus came only for sinners, only for those in need of repentance (Luke 15). Refusing to be counted as a sinner means refusing Jesus. He seeks and saves to rejoice with those He rescues—and what better way to rejoice than with a feast? But all who rely on their own righteousness (like the older son) will scorn the repentant sinner and refuse to rejoice with the Father. Such refusing means remaining outside the Father’s house. Let us therefore be on guard against self–righteously trusting in our own merits. “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you” (1 Peter 5:6). Rejoice that Jesus receives sinners like us and that He still sits at table with us in the Holy Supper, bestowing His forgiveness and life.

Sermon text: https://oursaviorlynchburg.notion.site/38575af8d8cd80e09c54de571baaf60f