“I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (v.32)
Here in chapter 5 Jesus was asked the question, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” His answer, “ Those who are well have no need of a Physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (v.30-32)
Jesus ate and drank with publicans and sinners simply because of their need for Him and His purpose to seek and save the lost. Others like the Scribes and Pharisees who were righteous in their own sight, trusted in themselves, and submitted not to the righteousness of Christ, and had in their own view no need for Him. Therefore, He spent time with those who did.
Jesus stills calls sinners to repentance today through the power of His Spirit and His Word. His desire is that, "None should perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9), even those who would would reject Him. For our Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with everyone (2 Peter 3:9), giving all time to repent.
His grace is waiting for all who seek His face.
The Truth
“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10)
