Jesus, the Friend of Sinners: A Title Given with Contempt.
The title “Friend of Sinners” was given to Jesus by a group of high priests and religious individuals who thought it ideal to give Jesus this very title to berate him and convince themselves that he isn’t the Messiah. They said if he were the Messiah, he wouldn’t be seen in certain forbidden parts of town dining with commoners and defending certain forbidden people.
This criticism is recorded in Matthew 11:18-19, where it says, “For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil. The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.”
The Scribes and Pharisees: Witnesses to Jesus’ Ministry. The scribes and Pharisees, who held authority in the synagogue during Jesus’ earthly ministry, did not speak without facts. They countered Jesus’ actions based on what they witnessed. Let’s examine two accounts from the scriptures that demonstrate Jesus’ ministry to sinners.
1) The Adulterous Woman: A Story of Mercy and Redemption.
The first account is found in John 8:3-11.
The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman whom they told Jesus was caught doing the very thing: adultery. They presented her as a smoking gun, with airtight evidence, saying, “Master, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. What then do you say about her?”
They were only interested in gathering evidence to accuse Jesus.
Jesus’ response was remarkable. He said, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” As Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground, the accusers began to depart, convicted by their consciences. When only the woman remained, Jesus asked her, “Woman, where are those thine accusers? Hath no man condemned thee?” She replied, “No man, Lord.” Jesus then said, “Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. When the people saw the drama unfold, they were gobsmacked.
2) Zacchaeus, the Forbidden Man.
The second account is found in Luke 19:1-10, v5-7. When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.“
When the people saw what drama had played out between Jesus and Zacchaeus, they murmured, saying, This Jesus has done it again. Is he not aware that this Zacchaeus is a forbidden man, a sinner, and a tax collector who has been helping the Roman government to exploit us in excessive taxation and himself stealing from us and robbing us silly with his position?
The Crowd’s Displeasure.
The crowd’s reaction was one of unified displeasure, criticizing Jesus for His association with Zacchaeus.
They saw Zacchaeus as a symbol of corruption and exploitation, and Jesus’ willingness to dine with him as a sign of approval. However, their judgmental attitude blinded them to the true nature of Jesus’ ministry.
Zacchaeus’ Transformation: While the crowd murmured and criticized, Zacchaeus was undergoing a profound transformation. As he welcomed Jesus into his home, he was intentionally repenting of all his sins, restituting all his wrongs before Jesus, and receiving salvation.
This encounter marked a turning point in Zacchaeus’ life, as he turned away from his sinful ways and towards a life of righteousness. Jesus’ Mission Jesus’ response to the crowd’s criticism was clear and concise: “For the Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Jesus’ mission is not to judge or condemn but to seek out those who are lost and bring them into a relationship with God.
A Call to Repentance:
Brethren from all walks of life, no matter the depth of your involvement with sin, be like Zacchaeus, repent, and turn to Jesus. Jesus is ready to follow you to your house and give you salvation. He accepts you just as you are, and He is willing to transform your life, giving you a new heart and a new spirit.
To gift us salvation, Jesus accepted the title “Friend of Sinners” to search for and rescue you from the killer and the destroyer. He invites you to come to Him, to repent of your sins, and to receive salvation. In Him, you will find forgiveness, redemption, and eternal life.
If you are ready to turn to Jesus, you can pray this prayer with sincerity:
Prayer of Repentance.
Lord Jesus, I know I’m a sinner, and I have not cared about you in my life. I recognize you as the only one who can save me from hell and destruction. I accept you; come into my life as my lord and savior. Thank you, Jesus, for dying for my sins and giving me eternal life. I believe you are the son of God. I promise to be committed to your voice all the days of my life. Thank you, Jesus, for giving me your living water to drink freely in Jesus’ name.
As you have prayed this prayer, may you experience a new beginning in your life. May you find forgiveness, redemption, and eternal life in Jesus Christ. May His love and grace transform your heart and guide you on your journey of faith.
