“Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach. This made the Pharisees and teachers of religious law complain that he was associating with such sinful people—even eating with them!” Luke 15:1-2 (NLT)
Someone who is notorious is well known generally for their bad deeds. Imagine having a reputation for doing wrong. Paul called himself the chief of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). He realized how much he needed salvation because he understood where he was in comparison to God’s standard. These notorious sinners knew how much they needed salvation by comparing themselves to God’s standard. They were drawn to Jesus because he loved them even while they were still sinners. He showed them love and compassion even when they were still living in their sinful lives. God opened the way that they could leave their sinful lives behind and live eternally with God.
While we may not realize it, we are just as sinful. We may not steal and kill, but we are still born with a sin nature. The Bible reminds us that all have sinned and fall short (Romans 3:23). Our sin may not be anything that others can see. But God sees our actions, attitudes, and thoughts. He knew that we were in need of salvation even before we were born. We may not be notorious sinners, but we still need a savior.
Prayer: God, thank you for reminding me that I am still in need of a savior. Thank you for sending your son to pay the price that I could never pay. Show me the sin in my life and create in me a clean heart. In Jesus name. Amen.