The Saviour and the Publicans
Canon Liddon. Luke 5:30 But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do you eat and drink with publicans and sinners? This question was asked partly in ignorance and partly in ill-will. Our Lord would not leave to His simple and timid disciples the task of answering the critics. First, He rebukes with stern irony the self-righteousness of the questioners, and then He explains. I. THE ANSWER SET FORTH THE GLORY OF OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR. "The Friend of sinners" is one of our Lord's most glorious titles. God's condescensions reveal His glory more completely than His magnificence. 1. The glory of His work-"To call Sinners to repentance." 2. The glory of His character — ', Which of you convinceth Me of sin?" II. A COMMENT ON THE ACTION AND HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. Like her Lord, the Church of Christ has entered into the life of sinful humanity to purify and elevate it. She may not cease to eat and drink with publicans and sinners. III. SUGGESTIVE AS TO THE DUTY AND CONDUCT OF PRIVATE CHRISTIANS. In consorting with those who openly deny the truth of religion, or who live in flagrant violation of its precepts, there are two dangers to be guarded against. 1. We must keep clear of Pharisaism, that rank weed which so soon springs up in the souls of believers. 2. We must not voluntarily expose our souls to risks which are palpable and overwhelming, when no good can be done for the souls of others. Let us endeavour, when we arc thrown with others, be they who they may, to think of our Lord at Matthew's feast, and pray Him for His gracious help that we too, sinners though we be, may speak a word in season to him that is weary. (Canon Liddon.) Parallel Verses KJV: But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners? WEB: Their scribes and the Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, "Why do you eat and drink with the tax collectors and sinners?"