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How did Jesus show that he “came to call” sinners?

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Jesus demonstrated that he "came to call" sinners through his actions, teachings, and interactions with individuals often marginalized or excluded by society. Here are several key ways in which he did this:

  1. Associating with Sinners: Jesus actively sought out and associated with sinners and outcasts. For example, he ate with tax collectors and sinners (Mark 2:15-17), and his willingness to share meals with them signified acceptance and fellowship.

  2. Teaching about Forgiveness: Jesus emphasized the theme of forgiveness in his teachings, often illustrating it through parables. The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) portrays a father’s unconditional love and willingness to forgive his wayward son, highlighting God's joy in accepting repentant sinners.

  3. Healing the Sick: Many of the individuals Jesus healed were considered socially or religiously unclean. In healing them, he not only addressed their physical ailments but also showed compassion and the desire to restore them to the community.

  4. The Woman Caught in Adultery: In John 8:1-11, Jesus confronted those ready to condemn a woman caught in adultery. He challenged them, saying that whoever is without sin should cast the first stone, and then told the woman to go and sin no more, illustrating both mercy and a call to repentance.

  5. Calling Disciples: Jesus called individuals like Matthew, the tax collector, and Peter and Andrew, who were fishermen, to follow him. He chose people from various backgrounds, some of whom were deemed sinners by societal standards, highlighting that everyone is invited into a relationship with him.

  6. Proclaiming the Good News: Jesus' mission, as articulated in scriptures (e.g., Luke 19:10, which states that he came to seek and save the lost), underscored his purpose as one who reaches out to those in need of salvation.

These actions and teachings collectively illustrate how Jesus actively pursued relationships with sinners, demonstrating that his mission was centered around grace, redemption, and bringing people back into right standing with God.