Luke 5:32

³² I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”

Introduction

When Jesus walked the earth, He often shocked people by the company He kept. Instead of spending His time with religious elites, He chose to dine with tax collectors, fishermen, and outcasts. The religious leaders couldn’t understand it. But Jesus explained His mission in one clear sentence:
“I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”

1. Jesus Came with a Clear Purpose

Jesus didn’t come merely to teach morals or improve society.
He came with a divine mission—to save sinners.
1 Timothy 1:15 says, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.”

Every encounter He had—whether with Zacchaeus, the woman at the well, or the thief on the cross—demonstrated this purpose. He sought out those who were lost, those who knew their need for mercy.

2. The Righteous vs. the Self-Righteous

When Jesus says, “not the righteous,” He isn’t saying some people don’t need salvation.
He’s pointing to those who think they’re righteous — those who rely on their own goodness instead of God’s grace.

The Pharisees believed they were spiritually healthy, but Jesus compared them to whitewashed tombs—clean on the outside, but dead within.
The truth is, all have sinned (Romans 3:23). We all stand in need of the Savior’s call.

3. Jesus Calls Sinners to Repentance

Notice the word “call.”
Jesus doesn’t just tolerate sinners—He calls them. He invites them to leave their old life and follow Him.
Repentance means a change of direction — turning from sin and turning toward God.

When Jesus called Levi (Matthew) just before this verse, Levi was a tax collector—a despised profession. Yet Jesus said, “Follow Me,” and Levi left everything behind. That’s repentance in action—responding to Jesus’ call with a changed heart and new direction.

4. The Heart of the Gospel

This verse summarizes the heart of the gospel:

• We are sinners in need of grace.
• Jesus came to seek and save the lost.
• Repentance leads to forgiveness and new life.

There’s no sin too great, no past too dark, no life too broken for Jesus to redeem. He specializes in transforming sinners into saints.

Application

• Don’t hide behind self-righteousness. Admit your need for grace.
• Remember, the church is not a museum for saints—it’s a hospital for sinners.
• As followers of Jesus, we must carry His mission—reaching out to those others may reject.

Closing Challenge

If Jesus came for sinners, then the question is:
Have you answered His call?
He still says today, “Come, follow Me.”

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for coming to call sinners like us. We confess our need for Your mercy and grace. Help us to repent, to turn from our sin, and to follow You with all our hearts. Teach us to love others the way You loved us—without judgment, but with compassion and truth. In Your name we pray, Amen.

Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus!