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What is the view of our Lord on tax collectors?
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But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and 'sinners'?" Jesus answered them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
Luke 5:30-32
My Question
What is the view of our Lord on tax collectors?
Word of Life
Beloved soul, let us delve into the sacred scriptures to illuminate the heart of our dear Lord concerning tax collectors. In the days of old, tax collectors were often viewed with disdain, seen as collaborators with the Roman oppressors and accused of greed. Yet, the heart of our Lord, ever boundless in love and grace, saw beyond the outer veil of societal judgment. In the Gospel of Luke 19:1-10, we find the story of Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector. Though despised by many, Zacchaeus was welcomed by Jesus, who chose to dine at his house. This divine embrace led to Zacchaeus' repentance and transformation, as he vowed to give half of his possessions to the poor and repay fourfold those he had wronged. "Today salvation has come to this house," said our Lord, "because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." Moreover, in Matthew 9:9-13, Jesus calls Matthew, a tax collector, to follow Him. When questioned by the Pharisees for dining with tax collectors and sinners, Jesus replied, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." Thus, our tender-hearted Savior teaches us to look beyond labels and see the potential for redemption and grace in every soul. May we, too, embody this profound love and acceptance in our own lives, ever seeking to uplift and embrace those marginalized by society.
Bible Commentary
Luke 5:30-32
But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and 'sinners'?" Jesus answered them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
In Luke 5:30-32, Jesus responds to criticism from Pharisees and scribes for eating with tax collectors and sinners. He explains that His mission is to call sinners to repentance, not the righteous. This highlights Jesus' inclusive ministry, emphasizing grace and redemption for those marginalized by society. His response underscores the importance of spiritual healing over social status, inviting all to transformation.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for teaching us through Jesus that Your love and grace extend to all, including tax collectors and sinners. Help us to embrace others with compassion and understanding, just as Jesus did. Guide us to follow His example in our daily lives. In Jesus Christ's name, we pray. Amen.
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