How many people came to hear the sermons of Jesus because He went to sinners’ parties? How many felt welcome in His presence because He talked with them and even ate with them? He did not live isolated from a world of need; He went to where they were. He was severely criticized because of His actions; He was rejected for His methods. Yet, these very sinners were being transformed by His presence and their lives were being redirected by His message. Many sick were being made well. Many sinners were converted to lives of righteousness. They knew He loved them, so they came to listen to His sermons.
When the scribes of the Pharisees saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, they said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” When Jesus heard this, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.” Mark 2:16-17 (NRSV)
