When Jesus went about doing good, healing the sick and teaching about God’s Kingdom, He was closely watched by the Jewish religious leaders. They tried to entangle Him in His words — see for example Matthew 22:15. They also tried to discredit His reputation by calling Him “a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.” (Luke 7:34) That raises the question, was Jesus really a “friend of sinners”? What does that mean?
Jesus was no sinner Himself
First of all, let’s make it clear that Jesus Himself was without sin, see Hebrews 4:15. He never did anything wrong, but was perfectly righteous (1 John 2:1; 2 Corinthians 5:21). Even the Pharisees who tried to discredit Him, admitted: “We know that you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.” (Matthew 22:16 NIV)
Jesus got close with sinners
In several passages, we read that “sinners” were gathering around to hear Jesus (Luke 15:1), that He gladly spent time with them and accepted the invitation to have a party with them (Luke 5:29-30). He told a tax collector to leave everything and become His disciple (Luke 5:27-28). Tax collectors were notorious for their corruption: part of the money they collected, usually disappeared into their own pockets. Plus, they were seen as traitors because they consented to work for the enemy, the Romans, who controlled Israel at the time. People who considered themselves “righteous” did everything within their power to live separately from such “sinners”. But Jesus did not. He associated with them. He did not shy away from being called “a friend of sinners”.
Why did Jesus get close with sinners?
When asked why He did so, Jesus answered: “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” (Luke 5:31-32) Similarly, 1 Timothy 1:15 tells us, “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.”
Jesus had not come to earth to have a good time with perfect people. He came to save people who needed salvation, to teach people who didn’t know God and to bear the sins of those who had messed up badly. And in order to do so, He sought their company and spent time with them. He loved them so much He was ready to give His life for them.
Jesus is there also for you!
Jesus never turns anyone away. Yet when He comes into your life, He transforms it. Remember, He called sinners “to repentance”. In that sense, He can be even more unsettling than the Pharisees—because if you truly listen to Him, your whole life may be turned upside down.
If you choose to follow in His footsteps, continuing in sin is no longer an option. He says, “Follow Me.” How will you respond? Will you rise and allow Him to change your life?
It is the greatest thing that can happen to you. Only He has the power to truly transform your life—and to do so for the better.