“Jesus a Friend to Sinners”: What Does It Mean?

jesus-a-friend-to-sinners-001We love the expression, “Jesus a friend to sinners.”  We have popularized it in songs and it appeals to our need of his love.  But it was originally applied by his enemies who were accusing him of sin.¹  What does this expression mean for our lives today?

It does not mean . . . 

Certainly this expression does not mean Jesus “hung out” with sinners for fun.  Today, Jesus’s mission to sinners is often twisted to the point that it pictures him as just spending recreational time with sinners.  Some go with the line of thought that “Jesus loved a good party!”  Nothing could be further from the truth.

Nor does it mean that Jesus condoned the sin of those he sought to reach.  Jesus was never “cool” with what sinners were doing.  He did not approve of sinful actions through word or deed.  He was in the process of giving his life because of sin.  He never sinned himself, and certainly would not condone it in others.

What does it mean . . .  

While this phrase shouldn’t encourage us to live in sin, it certainly gives us hope when we are convicted of our sin.  You see this phrase does recognize the fact that Jesus came to save sinners.  It was to Zacchaeus the tax collecting sinner who Jesus, after coming to his house, declared, “for the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”²

Jesus being described as a “friend of sinners” also exemplifies his treating all people with respect and love.  Truthfully, all have sinned and are in need of salvation.²  Yet, Jesus reached out in love to all people.  He loved the prostitutes (Luke 7), the tax collectors (Luke 19), Judas (Mat. 26), and those who crucified him (Luke 23).  He shared the message of everlasting water with the adulterous Samaritan woman (John 4).

Finally, the phrase also represents the idea that Jesus went to sinners to call them to repentance.  He said, “those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.”  Thus, he came to call the sinners back into a relationship with God made possible by God’s abundant grace.

Far from just running with sinners and condoning their sin, Jesus went to them in love, maintained his holiness, and called them to follow him!  This is why Jesus is still a friend to sinners.  He loves you and me.  He doesn’t condone our sin, but he came to save us, loves us now, and calls us to follow him.  Will you turn to your friend–Jesus the Christ?

 

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¹ – Mat. 11:18-19

² – Luke 19:10; Rom. 3:23

 

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1 comment

  1. Good thoughts!

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