Luke 15

“But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them” (2). The Pharisees, conscious of the Law and their own supposed righteousness, were offended that Jesus directly engaged with – even ate with! – people known to be sinners. Jesus did not apologize. Rather, he told a story about a wayward son who came crawling back to his father and was welcomed with open arms. Although the son felt “no longer worthy” of the family name (19), the father forgave him and celebrated him.

“His father saw him and was filled with compassion for him” (20), just as Jesus “welcomed sinners” (2). Receivers of God’s abundant mercy, we are called to extend open arms toward others.