Rejoice When One Repents

Note from today’s Bible reading: Luke 15-16

As Jesus went about preaching, many people came to hear Him – including “the tax collectors and the sinners” (Luke 15:1). Even though others may not have thought that such a group would be interested in Jesus’ message, they “were coming near Him to listen to Him” (Luke 15:1).

The Pharisees and scribes grumbled about Jesus welcoming such people. They were saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them” (Luke 15:2). However, Jesus was not approving of their sin; instead, He was calling them out of their sin.

In response to their complaint, Jesus told a parable about a shepherd who left ninety-nine sheep in order to find one sheep that went astray (Luke 15:3-7). When he found the lost sheep, he called his friends and neighbors to rejoice with him. Jesus’ point was this: “There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance” (Luke 15:7).

It may be difficult for us to imagine why anyone would be upset when someone turns from their sin in order to be right with the Lord. Yet if we hold a grudge against someone because of his unfaithfulness or are jealous over the attention the penitent receives, we demonstrate the same attitude as the Pharisees and scribes. We instead need to have the attitude of the Lord and the angels of heaven.

So rejoice when one repents. Remember that each one of us has been and will be in a position in which we also need (or needed) to repent. It is a great thing for someone (ourselves or others) to escape the bondage and consequences of sin.