Mark 2:17

Holy Spirit please keep me from my own pride and arrogance to come to the full realization that we are ALL sinners in need of repentance.

And there is no one righteous but Jesus the Christ!

God is gracious and kind and does not want anyone to perish. He wants all of His creation to have the opportunity to repent and to accept His sacrifice on the cross on their behalf. He desires us have eternal life with Him.

With this statement, Jesus is neither affirming nor denying that the Pharisees are righteous. He is simply pointing out that the call to repentance and offering of forgiveness are for those who need it—sinners. Faithllife Bible.

In this instance Jesus was speaking tongue-in-cheek when He used the word righteous. None are righteous, though some, such as the Pharisees, fancied themselves as such. Instead, Christ came to call sinners to repentance. Jesus did not condone the activities of sinners, but required repentance—a change of mind that recognizes the need of a Savior and recognizes Jesus Christ as the only Savior. NKJ Bible.

Mark 2:17 (NKJV)

¹⁷ When Jesus heard it, He said to them,  “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”

Matthew 9:12 (NKJV)

¹² When Jesus heard that, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.

Matthew 9:13 (NKJV)

¹³ But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”

Matthew 18:11 (NKJV)

¹¹ For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.

Luke 5:31 (NKJV)

³¹ Jesus answered and said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.

Luke 5:32 (NKJV)

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