Nowallthe tax collectorsand the sinnerswere coming nearHim to listento Him.
"Again, when a wickedmanturnsawayfrom his wickednesswhichhe has committedand practicesjusticeand righteousness,he will savehis life.
"For ifyou lovethosewho loveyou, whatrewarddoyou have?Do not eventhe tax collectorsdothe same?
"And behold,[some] are lastwhowill be firstand [some] are firstwhowill be last."
When allthe peopleand the tax collectorsheard[this], they acknowledgedGod'sjustice,having been baptizedwith the baptismof John.
The Lawcamein sothat the transgressionwould increase;but wheresinincreased,graceabounded all the more,
It is a trustworthystatement,deservingfullacceptance,that ChristJesuscameinto the worldto savesinners,among whomI amforemost[of all].
