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A Friend of Sinners

The Pharisees accused Jesus of being a friend of sinners. The words of the accusation were true; the intended meaning was not. John MacArthur writes:

But there is an important distinction to be made here: Jesus did not consort or seek fellowship with sinners in their sin. Scripture describes Him as “holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners” (Hebrews 7:26). His overtures to sinners were always in the context of seeking their salvation, offering His grace and mercy, and extending to them forgiveness. He healed them, cleansed them, and released them from the prison of guilt and degradation. Yes, of course Jesus consorted with sinners, but always as their deliverer. He was a true friend of sinners-the most authentic kind of friend. He served them and reached out to them and laid hold of their lives. Jesus didn't affirm them in their sin. Quite the contrary: He gave His whole self for them to redeem them from sin's cruel bondage.
—John MacArthur, A Tale of Two Sons (Thomas Nelson, 2008), 22.