Luke 15:2
"And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them."
As Jesus's ministry grew, word spread. Jesus wants to reach and redeem all people, regardless of their background. Jewish, Samaritan, or otherwise. He was revealing the true heart of God. This attracted the type of people you would expect, "sinners." Also mentioned in yesterday's verse "publicans." Think of them as traitors. They were the Jewish people who helped the occupation forces from Rome. An example of a publican is a tax collector. It's these types of people, ostracized by good upstanding Jews, that were coming to hear what Jesus was teaching.
In the previous chapter, Jesus criticized the Pharisees and scribes. They are still hurt by that as they seek to criticize the Son of God. "And the Pharisees and scribes MURMURED, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them." Whispering behind His back, trying to bring Him down. They conclude that if Jesus treats sinners kindly, He must be okay with what they do. The Pharisees and scribes may also insinuate that Jesus is a man of similar character. Disgusting behavior by the Pharisees and scribes.
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