The leaders of the synagogue were upset and offended by Jesus, saying, “Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners?”  Who had no religious motivation to follow Jesus …yet, they were drawn by His every word.
[Pastor]

So, the question becomes, (a) What was Jesus saying to them? Such that it would be a continual cause of concern, and offense, for the religious leaders? And, another question is, (b) What was going on inside the publican and sinner’s hearts and minds as well …in other words, What was the hunger? and What was the bait?
[Pastor]

Now, it was in that context that Jesus began to minister the parable of the prodigal son; which spoke to the Love of God for the lost and dis-enfranchised; or, “whosoever believeth,” Saying,
“I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” For, it is written, “In due season, Christ died for the ungodly.”
[Luke 15:11-32; Matt. 9:13; Romans 5:6]

ThenSingsMySoul:

INTO MY HEART, INTO MY HEART,
COME INTO MY HEART, LORD JESUS;
COME IN TODAY, COME IN TO STAY;
COME INTO MY HEART, LORD JESUS.

[Harry D. Clark] (1888-1957)