15:1 Then drew near unto {1} him {a} all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.
(1) We must not give up on those who have gone out of the way, but according to the example of Christ we must take great pains for them.
(a) Some publicans and sinners came to Christ from all areas.
15:1 Joy of Repenting Sinners
SUMMARY OF LUKE 15:
The Publicans and Sinners. The Pharisees and Scribes. The Lost Sheep. The Lost Coin. The Lost Son. In the Far Country. Feeding on Husks. Coming to Himself. The Father's Welcome. The Elder Brother.
Then drew near unto him. At the period of his ministry these classes were flocking in great numbers to hear him.
Publicans. Gatherers of the Roman tribute, generally corrupt, universally despised, usually Jews by birth.
Sinners. Persons excommunicated from the synagogues and usually held as outcasts.
15:1 All the publicans - That is, all who were in that place. It seems our Lord was in some town of Galilee of the Gentiles, from whence he afterward went to Jerusalem, Lu 17:11.
15:1-10 The parable of the lost sheep is very applicable to the great work of man's redemption. The lost sheep represents the sinner as departed from God, and exposed to certain ruin if not brought back to him, yet not desirous to return. Christ is earnest in bringing sinners home. In the parable of the lost piece of silver, that which is lost, is one piece, of small value compared with the rest. Yet the woman seeks diligently till she finds it. This represents the various means and methods God makes use of to bring lost souls home to himself, and the Saviour's joy on their return to him. How careful then should we be that our repentance is unto salvation!
