Note 1 at Lk. 15:2: Jesus had been accused of associating with sinners before (Mt. 9:10-11; Mk. 2:15-16; Lk. 5:29-30). Previously, He had answered with the parable of the physician being sent for the sick and not for those who are well. This parable of the lost sheep is illustrating the same point--that Jesus was sent to those who were in need. Of course, everyone needs salvation through Jesus, but not everyone is aware of that need (see note 1 at Mt. 9:13, p. 92). These Pharisees and scribes said He was receiving "sinners" as if they had not sinned. The only people that Jesus could save were those that knew they were lost (Mt. 18:11).