The words of Jesus
What Did Jesus Say About Sinners?
Jesus was called a friend of sinners, and He wore the name gladly. He said the sick need a doctor, and He came for the very people religion wrote off.
“They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
Jesus, in Mark 2:17, King James Version
He came as a doctor for the sick, not a prize for the healthy.
“I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
Jesus, in Matthew 9:13, King James Version
God prefers mercy to religious performance.
“Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much.”
Jesus, in Luke 7:47, King James Version
Great forgiveness awakens great love.
“this man went down to his house justified rather than the other.”
Jesus, in Luke 18:14, King James Version
The one who admitted his sin went home right with God.
“joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth.”
Jesus, in Luke 15:7, King James Version
Your turning is heaven's celebration.
What Jesus is really saying
Jesus never pretended sin did not matter; He took it more seriously than anyone. Yet He drew near to sinners rather than away from them, because a doctor goes where the sickness is. The only people who missed Him were those convinced they were already well.
Who these words reveal Him to be
The friend of sinners is God in the flesh. Only the Lord can forgive sins, and Jesus does it with a word, then welcomes to His table exactly the people religion cast out. His nearness to sinners is not carelessness about sin but the mercy of God drawing near to save. He is the Savior who came for the sick, and that is the best news a sinner could ever hear.
Come to Him
You do not need to be good enough first. That is the whole point. Come to Jesus as the sinner you are, and let the Friend of sinners make you new.
His words were always meant to lead you to Himself. You can begin with Jesus here, ask someone to pray with you, or read His words in the Bible.