"THIS MAN
RECEIVETH SINNERS"
Luke 15:2
Marvelous condescension! This man, who is above all other
men, holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners - this Man receiveth
s sinners. This Man, who is no other than God the eternal Son, before whom the angels
hide their faces - this Man receiveth sinners. Who can describe such love? It
would be no great thing for any of us to seek after and receive sinners. They
are of our own race. But that this Man, the offended God, against whom the
transgression has been committed, should receive such is a marvelous act of
love and grace! He took upon himself the seed of Abraham. He bare
the sin of many in his own body on the tree. And now he is willing to receive
the vilest of the vile!
"This Man receiveth sinners", not that they may reread‑-.
in their sins; but he receives sinners that he might pardon their sins, Justify
their souls, cleanse their hearts by his purifying Word, preserve them by the
indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and enable them to serve him. He receives
sinners that they may shew forth his praise, enjoy his fellowship, and worship
at his throne. This man takes sinners from the dunghill and wears them as
jewels in his crown. He plucks them as brands from the burning and preserves
them as monuments of his mercy. How precious in the sight of Christ are those
sinners for whom he shed his life's blood. The Son of God opens the golden
gates of his royal heart and receives sinners right
into himself. He admits the humbled, repentant sinner into a personal union
with himself, and makes him a member of his body, of his flesh, and of his
bones. There was never such a grand reception as this! This fact is still most
sure today. Though the Son of God is exalted to the throne of glory, he is
still receiving sinners today, just as he was when he walked the streets of
Come ye sinners, poor and needy,
Weak and wounded, sick and sore;
Jesus ready stands to save you,
Full of pity, love, and power.
Come ye thirsty, come and welcome,
God's free bounty glorify;
True belief and true repentance,
Every grace that brings you nigh.