Luke 15:2

“And the Pharisees and Scribes murmured, etc.] When they saw the easy access these wicked men had to Christ; and that he stopped and stayed with them, and very freely imparted instructions to them: saying, this man receiveth sinners. The Persic version reads, “publicans and sinners”, as in the preceding verse: the word “man” is not in the original text, it is only “this”; which is to be understood not by way of eminence, as this great person, this prophet, this master in Israel; but by way of diminution and reproach, this fellow; as it is sometimes supplied: the word “man” be very rightly inserted, for they took him to be a mere man; though it is certain he was more than a man, even the true…”

“murmured, saying, &c.--took it ill, were scandalized at Him, and insinuated (on the principle that a man is known by the company he keeps) that He must have some secret sympathy with their character. But oh, what a truth of unspeakable preciousness do their lips, as on other occasions, unconsciously utter., Now follow three parables representing the sinner: (1) in his stupidity; (2) as all-unconscious of his lost condition; (3) knowingly and willingly estranged from God [BENGEL]. The first two set forth the seeking love of God; the last, His receiving love [TRENCH].”

“Murmured - They affected to suppose that if Jesus treated sinners kindly he must be fond of their society, and be a man of similar character. “They” considered it disgraceful to be with them or to eat with them, and they, therefore, brought a charge against him for it. They “would” not suppose that he admitted them to his society for the purpose of doing them good; nor did they remember that the very object of his coming was to call the wicked from their ways and to save them from death. Receiveth sinners - Receives them in a tender manner; treats them with kindness; does not drive them from his presence. And eateth with them - Contrary to the received maxims of the scribes. By eating with…”

“15:2 In their self-righteous hard-heartedness, the Pharisees and teachers of religious law did not care about lost people. Jesus embodied the heart of God, who longs for his wayward children to return.”

“Luk 15:29, Luk 15:30, Luk 5:30, Luk 7:34, Luk 7:39, Luk 19:7; Mat 9:11; Act 11:3; Co1 5:9-11; Gal 2:12 Luke 15:4”