In the Gospels, Jesus often engaged with those considered “sinners” by society. But what did He actually call them? Let’s dive into how Jesus addressed sinners, why it mattered, and what it means for us today.
Understanding “Sinners” in Jesus’ Time
In Jesus’ day, a “sinner” wasn’t just someone who did something wrong. The term encompassed a wide range of people marginalized by society:
- Tax Collectors: Viewed as traitors for working with the Roman authorities and often accused of extortion (Luke 19:1-10).
- Prostitutes: Women who were scorned and shunned for their lifestyle (Matthew 21:31-32).
- Gentiles: Non-Jews who were seen as impure and outside God’s chosen people (Matthew 15:21-28).
- The Poor and Sick: Often believed to be suffering as a result of sin (John 9:1-3).
These groups were outcasts in their communities, but Jesus saw them differently.
Jesus’ Approach to Sinners
Calling Sinners “Lost”
One of the most profound ways Jesus referred to sinners was as “lost.” He used parables to illustrate this point, showing His deep compassion and the lengths He would go to bring them back.
- The Parable of the Lost Sheep: Jesus tells of a shepherd who leaves ninety-nine sheep to find the one that’s lost (Luke 15:4-7). This demonstrates God’s desire to reclaim every lost soul.
- The Parable of the Lost Coin: A woman searches diligently for one lost coin, celebrating when she finds it (Luke 15:8-10). This illustrates the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents.
In these stories, Jesus highlighted that being lost doesn’t mean being worthless. It signifies someone valuable enough to seek out and save.
Calling Sinners “Children of God”
Jesus also referred to sinners as potential “children of God.” His interactions with the marginalized showed that everyone has the opportunity to be part of God’s family.
- The Prodigal Son: In this parable, a wayward son is welcomed back by his father with open arms, symbolizing God’s unconditional love and forgiveness (Luke 15:11-32).
- Zacchaeus the Tax Collector: When Jesus called Zacchaeus down from the sycamore tree, He declared, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham” (Luke 19:9). This affirmed Zacchaeus’s value and potential despite his past.
By calling sinners “children of God,” Jesus emphasized that no one is beyond redemption.
Referring to Sinners as “Neighbors”
Jesus famously expanded the definition of “neighbor” to include everyone, especially those whom society despised or neglected.
- The Good Samaritan: In this parable, a Samaritan helps a wounded man when others pass by (Luke 10:25-37). Jesus used this story to show that love and compassion should extend to all, regardless of their status or background.
- Teaching on Love: Jesus commanded, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39), urging His followers to embrace all people with kindness and respect.
By treating sinners as neighbors, Jesus broke down barriers and promoted a community of love and acceptance.
Calling Sinners to Repentance
While Jesus showed immense love and grace, He also called sinners to change their ways.
- Woman Caught in Adultery: When the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery to Jesus, He didn’t condemn her but told her, “Go now and leave your life of sin” (John 8:11). This highlights Jesus’ call for repentance coupled with forgiveness.
- Healing and Forgiveness: Jesus often combined physical healing with the forgiveness of sins, as seen in the healing of the paralyzed man (Mark 2:5). This underscored the importance of turning away from sin and embracing a new life in God.
Jesus’ call to repentance wasn’t about judgment but about offering a new beginning.
The Impact of Jesus’ Words on Sinners
Jesus’ approach to sinners was transformative. Here’s why:
- Restoring Dignity: By addressing sinners with compassion and respect, Jesus restored their sense of worth and dignity.
- Offering Hope: Jesus’ words and actions provided hope for those who felt beyond redemption, showing that everyone could be part of God’s kingdom.
- Creating Change: Many who encountered Jesus experienced profound change. Zacchaeus, for example, repented and vowed to repay those he had cheated (Luke 19:8).
Jesus’ engagement with sinners redefined their identities, not as outcasts, but as beloved individuals worthy of love and redemption.
What This Means for Us Today
Jesus’ interactions with sinners offer timeless lessons for us:
- Embrace Compassion: Like Jesus, we’re called to show compassion and kindness to everyone, regardless of their past or societal status.
- Recognize Value: Everyone has intrinsic value and potential for redemption. No one is beyond God’s reach.
- Encourage Change: While we should be loving and non-judgmental, we should also encourage positive transformation in ourselves and others.
By following Jesus’ example, we can build a more inclusive and loving community.
Conclusion
Jesus called sinners “lost,” “children of God,” “neighbors,” and those in need of repentance. These terms weren’t just labels; they were invitations to grace, transformation, and belonging. Jesus saw beyond people’s mistakes and saw their potential for redemption. As we navigate our own lives, let’s remember to see the worth in every person, embracing them with the same love and compassion Jesus showed.
In the words of Jesus, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Mark 2:17). Let’s live out this call in our own lives, welcoming and valuing everyone we meet.
FAQs: What Did Jesus Call Sinners?
1. Why did Jesus call sinners “lost”?
Jesus called sinners “lost” to signify that they were valuable and worth seeking out. Like a shepherd searching for a lost sheep, Jesus demonstrated God’s deep love and desire to bring everyone back into His fold (Luke 15:4-7).
2. How did Jesus view tax collectors and prostitutes?
Jesus saw tax collectors and prostitutes as individuals worthy of God’s love and redemption. He often spent time with them, showing compassion and offering them the opportunity for a new life. Examples include His interactions with Zacchaeus, a tax collector, and the various women considered sinners whom He defended and forgave (Luke 19:1-10, John 8:1-11).
3. What does it mean when Jesus calls sinners “children of God”?
By calling sinners “children of God,” Jesus emphasized their inherent worth and potential to be part of God’s family. This designation shows that everyone, regardless of their past, can receive God’s grace and be embraced as part of His kingdom (Luke 19:9).
4. Why did Jesus use parables to describe sinners?
Jesus used parables to convey deep spiritual truths in a relatable way. Stories like the Parable of the Lost Sheep and the Prodigal Son illustrated how much God values each person and the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents (Luke 15:4-32).
5. What lesson does the Parable of the Good Samaritan teach about sinners?
The Parable of the Good Samaritan teaches that everyone, regardless of their background or social status, is our neighbor. Jesus highlighted that we should show love and compassion to all, including those considered sinners by society (Luke 10:25-37).
6. Did Jesus condemn sinners for their actions?
Jesus did not condemn sinners but rather offered them forgiveness and a chance to repent. He demonstrated this with the woman caught in adultery, telling her, “Go now and leave your life of sin” (John 8:11). His approach was always one of grace and the call to a better path.
7. How did Jesus’ interaction with Zacchaeus demonstrate His view of sinners?
Jesus’ interaction with Zacchaeus, a tax collector, showed that He saw beyond societal labels. By visiting Zacchaeus’ home and declaring him a “son of Abraham,” Jesus affirmed Zacchaeus’s worth and potential for change. Zacchaeus responded by repenting and promising to make restitution (Luke 19:1-10).
8. Why is it important to see sinners as “neighbors”?
Seeing sinners as neighbors helps us break down barriers and promote a community based on love and acceptance. Jesus taught that everyone deserves kindness and respect, and by embracing this view, we create a more inclusive and compassionate world (Matthew 22:39, Luke 10:25-37).
9. What does Jesus’ approach to sinners teach us about compassion and forgiveness?
Jesus’ approach teaches us that true compassion involves seeing the inherent worth in every person and offering forgiveness, not condemnation. By following His example, we can help others find redemption and transform their lives, just as He did (Mark 2:17).
10. How can we apply Jesus’ teachings about sinners in our daily lives?
We can apply Jesus’ teachings by:
- Showing compassion and kindness to everyone, regardless of their past.
- Recognizing and affirming the value in each person.
- Encouraging positive change while offering forgiveness.
- Building inclusive communities that reflect Jesus’ love and acceptance.
By doing so, we embody the message of Jesus and contribute to a more loving and understanding world.
