All the tax collectors and sinners were approaching to listen to him. 

And the Pharisees and scribes were complaining, 

"This man welcomes sinners and eats with them."

So he told them this parable...(about the lost sheep)

Luke 15:1-3 CSB

Who is Jesus audience here?

Tax collectors.

Sinners

Pharisees

Scribes 

And at least some of the disciples as this account is in Matthew and Luke.

Tax collectors had their own category as they worked for the colonial power, and were notorious for lining their own pockets at the expense of their own people.

Sinners. Not sure if these people realised this or if Luke bundled everyone else into this group who wasn't a tax collector or a Pharisee.

And then there's the Pharisees, the teachers of the law, and their secretaries. These people were not sinners it seems. 

And what was their problem with Jesus?

He was talking to people and having lunch with them.

Jesus wasn't following their rules. 

Just like he isn't interested in following mine. 

When I look at my heart the tax collector is there, the sinner is there, and the Pharisee is there.

So I'll read this parable again knowing it's written about me, & to me. 

#wordsofJesus

#speaklife

#truthandlove

#itspersonal

#itsaheartthing