Luke just recorded that Jesus called would-be disciple to pay attention to what He said (14:35). Now he noted that many tax collectors and "sinners"were doing precisely that. Thus he presented that group of needy spiritual outcasts as responding to Jesus' ministry. However, he also noted, in contrast, that the Pharisees and scribes were critical of Jesus (cf. 5:29-30). They were not really listening to Him. Probably he balanced two positive groups (tax gatherers and sinners) with two negative groups (Pharisees and lawyers) to heighten the contrast further. Receiving and eating with sinners demonstrated openness to them and fellowship with them. The following parables taught the religious leaders that sinners' return to God should be a cause for rejoicing rather than grumbling (cf. 19:7).347
