Relational Titles
Friend of Sinners
Welcomer of the Outcast
Description
The Pharisees used 'friend of sinners' as a slur against Jesus, but it became a title of glory. He came not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance. He ate with tax collectors and sinners, scandalizing the religious elite. The Son of Man came eating and drinking, welcoming those whom others rejected. He called His disciples friends, not servants. Greater love has no man than this—that a man lay down his life for his friends. He befriended us while we were yet sinners.
Key Verses
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.
And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.
When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, 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.
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends.
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!