Or, “righteous persons.” The statement is valid as it appears to stand.

 Be that as it may, it is probably true that Jesus here speaks in irony. The scribes and Pharisees prided themselves on being more righteous than other men (see ch. 18:11, 12), and as Jesus spoke of “just persons” they would naturally consider themselves in that category. They thought that they did not need to repent (see on John 3:4). Here, for point of argument, Jesus takes them at their word, so to speak. Thus, if the Pharisees and scribes are righteous, the “sinners” they so piously despise are, by this very fact, proved to be in need of the love and attention Jesus bestows upon them. Thus the critical attitude of the scribes and Pharisees is revealed as unwarranted. For another reply Jesus gave under similar circumstances see Luke 5:31, 32.

 Divine love would have led Jesus to make His great sacrifice for even one sinner (COL 187, 196; see on John 3:16). Notice the subtle connection between this “sinner” and the “sinners” of v. 1. We do not repent in order that we may receive God‘s love; it was ours “while we were yet sinners” (Rom. 5:8). It is God‘s “goodness,” manifested in His love and long-suffering, that leads us to repentance (Rom. 2:4; cf. Phil. 2:13).

 In their endeavor to avoid pronouncing the sacred name of God, the Jews made use of a number of expressions (see on ch. 12:20), the word “heaven” often being used in this manner. The rabbis taught that the sinner must repent before God is willing to love him or pay any attention to him. Their concept of God was all too frequently what Satan wanted them to think about God. They conceived of Him as One who bestowed His affection and blessings upon those who obeyed Him, and who withheld these from men who did not. In the parable of the Lost Son (vs. 11-32) Jesus endeavors to set forth the true nature of the love of God (see on v. 12). In fact, the entire purpose of Jesus‘ mission to earth may be summed up in the statement that He came to reveal the Father (see on Matt. 1:23). Compare the expression, “joy in the presence of the angels” (Luke 15:10).