Luke 15:1–10 (ESV)
Pastor Scott Berglin
God from Luke’s Eyes to Yours
“Eating with Sinners” | August 16, 2026
“This man receives sinners and eats with them.” — Luke 15:2
Luke 15 begins with a complaint—but Jesus turns that complaint into a revelation of God's heart. The religious leaders saw sinners as people to avoid; Jesus saw them as people worth pursuing. Through the lost sheep and lost coin, Jesus shows us that heaven celebrates when what is lost is found. Pastor Scott reminded us that Jesus doesn't merely tolerate sinners—He welcomes them, calls them His own, and pursues them with joy. And that includes you.
Jesus Calls Sinners: Dinner Guests
v 2
- Jesus willingly ate with people others considered unacceptable.
- His table was a place where sinners could encounter grace.
- The Gospel begins with an invitation to come near.
Jesus doesn't wait for sinners to clean themselves up before He welcomes them.
Jesus Calls Sinners: Future Repenters
v 7, 10
- Heaven celebrates when one sinner repents.
- Jesus sees not only who someone is today, but who they can become through His grace.
- Repentance isn't rejection—it's the pathway home.
What others may label "lost," Jesus sees as not yet found.
Jesus Calls Sinners: “Mine”
v 6
- The shepherd rejoices because the sheep belongs to him.
- The value of the lost isn't determined by its condition—it comes from its owner.
- God's pursuit is personal.
You are not an inconvenience to Jesus. You matter to Him.
Jesus Calls Sinners: Joyous
v 6–7, 10
See also John 11:35
- Finding the lost produces celebration.
- Jesus' response to repentance isn't resentment—it's joy.
- Heaven rejoices over restoration.
The heart of God isn't waiting to say, "I told you so."
It's celebrating, "You're home!"
Jesus Calls Sinners: YOU
v 4
See also James 1:5–7
- Jesus doesn't speak about "lost people" only as a category—He pursues individuals.
- The shepherd notices the one missing sheep.
- God's invitation is personal: He sees you, seeks you, and calls you home.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Jesus welcomes sinners rather than avoiding them.
- Repentance is a celebration, not a condemnation.
- God values the individual—even the one who feels forgotten or far away.
- Heaven rejoices when the lost are found.
- Jesus' pursuit of sinners includes you.
CALL TO ACTION
- Come to the table: Don't let shame convince you that you're not welcome with Jesus.
- Receive His pursuit: Allow yourself to be found rather than continuing to run.
- Celebrate repentance: Rejoice when someone takes a step toward God.
- Pursue the one: Ask God to put someone in your path who needs to experience His love.
- Invite someone in: Be willing to sit at the table with people others might overlook.
Jesus doesn't just eat with sinners. He pursues them, welcomes them, calls them His own, and celebrates when they come home.
