In first-century Israel, tax collectors and “sinners” were among society’s most despised people. Tax collectors were viewed as traitors who cooperated with Rome and often profited at their neighbors’ expense, while those labeled “sinners” were treated as moral outcasts by the religious establishment.
Yet these were exactly the people Jesus welcomed.
In today’s episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef explains why Christ spent time with those others rejected. Jesus declared that He “came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). He did not seek people who believed they could establish their own righteousness, but those who knew they desperately needed mercy, forgiveness, and a Savior.
When the Pharisees and scribes criticized Jesus for receiving sinners, He answered with the parable of the lost sheep. A shepherd leaves the ninety-nine to search for the one who has wandered away—and when that sheep is found, there is rejoicing.
Jesus is that Shepherd.
God delights when lost people are found, when sinners repent, and when broken lives receive His healing grace. And if we truly love Jesus, His joy should become our joy. We should celebrate when the lost come home and share Christ’s heart for those still wandering far from Him.
Prayer: Jesus, thank You for being my Shepherd, for coming to seek and save me. I rejoice in Your tender care and love. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
“Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?” (Luke 15:4).
Learn more in the sermon Enduring Wisdom, The Lost Sheep: LISTEN NOW
The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today’s devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don’t have to walk through it alone.
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