Here we are talking about tax collectors, and in America, it is tax day! This is a great time to talk about tax collectors, because people do not like them, yet, they flocked to Jesus. Why did tax collectors go to Him, and other sinners also? Luke says,

Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him (Luke 15.1).

What did they see in Jesus? They saw something in Him, that they did not see in their fellow-Jews, especially the leaders. Listen carefully to the next verse, and the answer to our question lies in the criticism of the enemies of Jesus,

And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, “This Man receives sinners and eats with them” (Luke 15.2).

What complaint did the Pharisees and scribes have of Jesus? He received sinners and ate with them, and therein lies the great secret of Jesus and why people flocked to Him, they knew that He would receive them, even eating with them.

How do you treat tax collectors and other sinners?