Jesus, Friend of Sinners

Luke 15:1  Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.

Why did tax collectors and sinners flock to hear Jesus?

1. He reached out to them when the religious leaders looked down on them and despised them. (2)

2. He cared for them. He called the publican Matthew to be a disciple. Mary Magdalene, a sinful woman, became a chief follower. Others became evangels of His grace and power. He healed them, taught them, ate with them, forgave them.

3. He taught them practical life lessons (3, Etc.), whereas the religious leaders were teaching cold facts without practical application.

In short, Jesus met the needs, presented challenges and offered hope. The Pharisees imposed religion, Jesus offered a relationship. 

Jesus! what a Friend for sinners!
Jesus! Lover of my soul;
Friends may fail me, foes assail me,
He, my Savior, makes me whole.

Refrain:
Hallelujah! what a Savior!
Hallelujah! what a Friend!
Saving, helping, keeping, loving,
He is with me to the end.

Jesus! what a Strength in weakness!
Let me hide myself in Him.
Tempted, tried, and sometimes failing,
He, my Strength, my victory wins.

Jesus! what a Help in sorrow!
While the billows over me roll,
Even when my heart is breaking,
He, my Comfort, helps my soul.

Jesus! what a Guide and Keeper!
While the tempest still is high,
Storms about me, night overtakes me,
He, my Pilot, hears my cry.

Jesus! I do now receive Him,
More than all in Him I find.
He hath granted me forgiveness,
I am His, and He is mine.