Sinners

Tax collectors and sinners (2:16)

Am I alone in finding this an odd combination? It seems such an strange list - one so specific and the other so general. It's like saying that the cabinet minster was eating with lawyers and ne'er do wells. It can't be because tax collectors are not sinners, nor can it be true that tax collectors were the only profession who were seen as beyond the pale. 

I suspect that both are representative. If your very profession puts you outside society you are welcome to eat with Jesus. If you are anybody who knows that they are not one of the good people then you are welcome to eat with Jesus. Funny then that the people who feel they have the right to eat at the Lord's table are rather often the opposite. It would be interesting to explore what church would look like for 'tax collectors and sinners' to really feel welcome to come in.



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