Albert Barnes Commentary Luke 15:2

"And both the Pharisees and the scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them." — Luke 15:2 (ASV)

Murmured. They pretended to assume that if Jesus treated sinners kindly, he must be fond of their company and be a man of similar character. They considered it disgraceful to be with them or to eat with them, and they therefore accused him of it.

They would not consider that he admitted them to his company for the purpose of doing them good; nor did they remember that the very purpose of his coming was to call the wicked from their ways and to save them from death.

Receiveth sinners. He receives them in a tender manner, treats them with kindness, and does not drive them from his presence.

And eateth with them. This was contrary to the accepted practices of the scribes. By eating with them, he showed that he did not despise or overlook them.