Definition: But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 5:30 together. It’s a really important part of the story of Jesus' ministry and it highlights a key point about how he was treated. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Situation: Jesus had just started teaching and sharing his message with people. He was being met with some resistance. The Jewish leaders – specifically, the scribes and Pharisees – were upset. They weren’t happy with him. What they said: They began to criticize Jesus. They said: "Why do you eat and drink with publicans and sinners ?" What it means: Publicans & Sinners: This is a fancy way of saying people who are engaged in immoral or sinful behavior – like offering food and drink to someone who’s being treated poorly, or simply being involved in gossip and bad behavior. They were considered “outsiders” by the Jewish authorities at the time. The Core Message & Why it's Important: This verse is teaching us a crucial lesson about Jesus’ approach. He wasn't trying to be polite or avoid trouble. Instead, he was showing compassion and reaching out to those who were marginalized. Jesus was setting himself apart: By eating with these people – who weren’t part of the normal social order – Jesus was demonstrating his love and concern for anyone who needed help. He wasn't ignoring their problems: The scribes and Pharisees didn't want to criticize Jesus; they wanted to make him look bad. They were focused on what they thought was wrong, not on the good things he was doing. In essence, this verse is about Jesus’ willingness to be vulnerable and to connect with people who are often excluded or treated badly by society. It shows that he wasn't just teaching a religious lesson; he was also demonstrating genuine care for humanity. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss the context of this passage in more detail (like when it happened)? Connect it to other stories or teachings in the Bible?