18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.” - Matthew 11
A "friend of sinners" today embodies unconditional love, humility, and genuine connection with people, regardless of their background or lifestyle, mirroring Jesus’ approach in Matthew 11. They build authentic relationships, offering empathy, support, and friendship without endorsing sin, often focusing on connection rather than just conversion, yet still sharing the gospel as part of their life.
9 As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.
10 While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. 11 When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
12 On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” - Matthew 9
Jesus, Friend of Sinners: Sees beyond our past, present and position, to our potential .
• Ephesians 2:10
Jesus, Friend of Sinners: Sees past our labels and chooses to be associated with us.
• Romans 5:6-8
Jesus, Friend of Sinners: Lived on mission.
• Matthew 28:18-20
Jesus, Friend of Sinners: Is our example.
Next Steps:
• Think about how Jesus has been a “friend of sinners” for you. Thank Him for the way He has loved, supported, and changed you.
• How could you be a “friend to sinners” this week? What kind of “Matthew party” could you throw? Who will you invite to “Build Day?”
• Do the 5 day You Version Devotional: “Friend Of Sinners.”
