Jesus’ relationship with tax collectors and sinners was radically different from the religious norms of His time. Instead of avoiding the outcasts, Jesus sought them out, shared meals with them, and offered them grace before they ever changed. He welcomed those society rejected—like Levi the tax collector and Zacchaeus—and showed that transformation starts with love, not condemnation. His actions revealed that no one is too far gone for God’s mercy.
This approach challenges us today: Are we extending that same grace to the marginalized in our own lives? Are our churches places where broken people can find belonging, or just places for those who already “have it together”? Jesus’ example calls us to lead with love, not judgment. Keep reading for a deeper dive into how Jesus embraced the outcasts—and how you can live that out, too.
When you read the Gospels, one thing becomes clear quickly: Jesus didn’t avoid controversial people—He moved toward them. He ate with tax collectors, talked to prostitutes, touched lepers, and forgave known sinners. In a culture obsessed with purity and social status, Jesus stood out because He constantly reached for those on the margins. Let’s unpack what that really looked like, and what it means for you today.
Why Were Tax Collectors and Sinners So Hated?
To understand Jesus’ actions, you’ve got to understand the cultural context. Tax collectors weren’t just government employees. They were Jews working for the Roman Empire, seen as traitors by their own people. And most were corrupt.
- They overcharged people, pocketing the extra for themselves (Luke 3:12–13).
- They worked with the enemy, taking money from fellow Jews to fund Roman occupation.
- They were rich and despised, symbols of greed and betrayal.
“Sinners” in the Gospels often referred to people whose lives clearly broke the religious laws—like prostitutes, thieves, adulterers, or even just people who didn’t follow the Pharisees’ interpretation of the law. These folks were outsiders in every sense.
Jesus Didn’t Just Tolerate Them—He Welcomed Them
This is where Jesus flipped everything upside down.
1. He Ate With Them
Eating with someone in the first-century Jewish world was a big deal. It wasn’t just casual. It meant acceptance, even friendship. So when Jesus shared meals with tax collectors and sinners, people noticed—and judged.
“Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” (Matthew 9:11)
Jesus’ reply? It cut through the religious pride:
“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Matthew 9:12–13)
He wasn’t saying the Pharisees were perfect—just that they didn’t recognize their need. But the “sinners”? They knew they were broken. That made them ready to receive grace.
2. He Called a Tax Collector to Follow Him
In Luke 5:27–32, Jesus walks up to a tax booth and says to Levi (also known as Matthew), “Follow me.” That’s it. No background check. No moral checklist. Just an invitation.
Levi immediately leaves everything and follows Him—and then throws a huge party with other tax collectors and sinners. Jesus doesn’t scold him for his past. He celebrates his future.
“I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (Luke 5:32)
Jesus saw potential in the people others wrote off. He didn’t excuse sin, but He knew relationship came before transformation.
Real Stories, Real People
Zacchaeus: The Short, Rich Tax Collector
In Luke 19, Zacchaeus climbs a tree just to get a look at Jesus. He’s wealthy, powerful, and very unpopular. But Jesus does something shocking: He stops and says, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.”
People are furious. “He’s gone to be the guest of a sinner!” But Zacchaeus responds with repentance:
“Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody… I will pay back four times the amount.” (Luke 19:8)
Jesus’ response?
“Today salvation has come to this house… For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:9–10)
Zacchaeus wasn’t just forgiven—he was transformed.
What Can You Learn From Jesus’ Example?
This isn’t just a history lesson. It’s a personal challenge.
1. Grace Comes Before Change
Jesus didn’t wait for people to clean up before He loved them. He loved them, and then they changed. Too often, religious culture flips that. But grace is what makes change possible.
Ask yourself: Do I expect people to act “right” before I accept them?
2. People Matter More Than Appearances
Jesus cared more about people than religious appearances. He didn’t avoid sinners out of fear of being misunderstood. He knew His presence was more powerful than their pasts.
Today’s equivalent might be:
- Sitting with someone everyone else avoids
- Showing kindness to someone who’s messed up publicly
- Inviting someone into your home who isn’t “church approved”
3. The Church Should Welcome the Marginalized
If we’re following Jesus, our churches should reflect His heart. That means:
- Welcoming addicts, felons, the homeless, and those with messy pasts
- Refusing to shame people who are still figuring things out
- Speaking truth, but never without love
A church that looks like Jesus will be full of people who don’t look religious—but are walking toward redemption.
Key Takeaways
Here’s a quick summary to keep in mind:
- Tax collectors and sinners were despised in Jesus’ time, often seen as unworthy of God’s love.
- Jesus intentionally sought them out, shared meals with them, and invited them into community.
- He didn’t ignore sin, but He prioritized grace and relationship first.
- True transformation came from encounter, not shame.
- You’re called to do the same—to love boldly, welcome freely, and believe that no one is too far gone.
Final Thought: This Is Good News for You, Too
Let’s not miss the obvious: if Jesus welcomed them, He welcomes you. No matter your past—how far you’ve wandered, what you’ve done, or what people think of you—Jesus invites you in.
Romans 5:8 puts it simply:
“While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Jesus doesn’t run from sinners. He runs to them. That includes you. And now, He calls you to do the same for others.
If this article helped clarify Jesus’ heart for the marginalized, consider sharing it. The more people who understand His love, the more people can walk in freedom.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
About Jesus’ Relationship with Tax Collectors and Sinners
- Why did Jesus spend time with tax collectors and sinners?
Jesus came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). He didn’t avoid sinners—He pursued them to offer grace, healing, and transformation. - What made tax collectors so hated in Jesus’ time?
Tax collectors were seen as traitors who worked for the Roman Empire and often exploited their own people for profit. - Did Jesus excuse the sins of those He spent time with?
No. Jesus never condoned sin, but He led with compassion and grace. Transformation often followed relationship with Him. - Who were some sinners Jesus interacted with directly?
Jesus interacted with people like the woman caught in adultery (John 8), Zacchaeus the tax collector (Luke 19), and Mary Magdalene, who had a troubled past. - Why did religious leaders criticize Jesus for eating with sinners?
In their eyes, it made Him impure or guilty by association. But Jesus valued people over social or religious reputation. - What does it mean that Jesus “ate with sinners”?
Sharing a meal meant fellowship, acceptance, and friendship. It was a powerful act of inclusion in that culture. - How did tax collectors respond to Jesus?
Many, like Matthew and Zacchaeus, repented and radically changed their lives after encountering Jesus. - What’s the main lesson from Jesus’ relationship with outcasts?
No one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. Jesus calls us to extend that same love to others without judgment. - How should the church treat people with messy pasts today?
With the same grace Jesus showed—welcoming, walking with them, and helping them grow in truth and love. - Can Jesus really forgive and restore anyone—no matter what they’ve done?
Absolutely. Romans 5:8 reminds us, “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” That includes everyone.
