A Friend Of Sinners

A FRIEND OF SINNERS

Matthew 9:10,11 “10And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples. 11And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?”

Matthew 11:19 “19The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.”

His friendship with them did not mean that He condones their sins, but that he felt compassion for sinners.

His mission was to heal and help them, their mission was to hinder and hurt.

I. IT WAS AN AMAZING FREINDSHIP.

A. CONSIDER THE PERSON HE WAS.

1. He was the Son of God.

a. Gabriel verified this claim.

b. God verified this claim.

2. He was the Savior of the world.

B. CONSIDER THE PEOPLE THEY WERE.

1. They were steep in sin.

a. They were drunks.

b. They were dishonest.

2. They were spiritually sick. 9:12

II. IT WAS A TRANSFORMING FRIENDSHIP. (I know this

from personal experience.)

A. THE COMING OF CHRIST INTO MY LIFE

1. When?

2. Where?

B. THE CHOOSING OF CHRIST AS MY LORD

1. My life will be controlled by His presence.

a. Every moment of my life will be spent with Him.

b. Every matter in my life will be shared with Him.

2. My life will be conformed to His purposes.

III. IT WAS AN ENDURING FRIENDSHIP.

A. IT IS UNCHANGING.

1. Our love may change…

2. But His love never changes.

B. IT IS UNENDING.