It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick

Matt 9:10 While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" came and ate with him and his disciples. 11 When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?" 12 On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

• many tax collectors and "sinners" came and ate with him
• Why? What was it that drew people that normally stayed away from “Religious” people to Jesus?
• Go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
• What does it mean?

Jesus was very hard on sin; he was not a compromiser in any way. But he didn’t only hate the sin, he loved the sinner.

We must be able to grow to a place where we can do the same. Love the sinner and hate the sin. The problem has been that many have loved the sinner and have learned to love, accept and tolerate their sin too. Also others have learned to hate the sin and hate the sinner too.

1 Tim 1:12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. 13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners-- of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.