Mark 2:15–17

God wants no one to perish! He wants all to accept the gift of His Son and the salvation that He provides for mankind. We are ALL sinners in need of a Savior!

The word "mercy" in Hebrew is "ḥesed," appearing 400 times in the Old Testament, often describing the character of God. Translated as "kindness," "goodness," "grace" and "mercy," God's mercy doesn't wink at sin or dismiss it cavalierly. God keeps His covenant to His people even when they fall short. God in His sovereignty fulfills what man cannot.

It has been said that mercy is the act of withholding punishment that is deserved, and grace is the act of giving unmerited favor. God in His sovereignty can do as He pleases. (Psalm 115:3) And it pleases Him to extend mercy and grace to His people. What a Savior! First5 

“Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts.” SabbathMoments 

Mark 2:15–17

15 Now it happened, as He was dining in Levi’s house, that many tax collectors and sinners also sat together with Jesus and His disciples; for there were many, and they followed Him. 16 And when the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to His disciples, “How is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?” 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.” The New King James Version

In the Gospels, this term is generally used for people who are considered sinful by Jewish leaders. While certainly many of these people were involved in habits, lifestyles or occupations that led to unrighteous behavior, the label seems to be applied primarily to distinguish between those who were considered pious and those who were not. 

Jesus’ ministry was often focused on outsiders, including this group of people. In the ancient world, dining together was a primary expression of identity and belonging. For tax collectors and sinners to seek out table fellowship with Jesus implies they were interested in the kingdom of God that Jesus proclaimed. 

Some scribes (teachers of the law) in Jesus’ day may have identified themselves with the agenda of the Pharisaic movement.

One of the three Jewish schools of thought in Palestine at the time of Jesus according to the Jewish historian Josephus. While the extent of their influence is unclear, the Pharisees apparently had some influence in political, religious and social spheres in Jewish Palestine. The Pharisees were known for their skill at interpreting the Law of Moses, and they held strict views on what was appropriate behavior for a righteous person. In Mark, Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for holding to traditions rather than obeying God’s commands. They condemn Jesus’ choice to eat with those they viewed as unrighteous and unworthy, but Jesus is not interested in their rules about who is worthy of His attention.

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. Faithlife Study Bible

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. The NKJV Study Bible

Matthew 9:10 Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples.

Luke 5:31 Jesus answered and said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.

Luke 5:32 I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”

1 Timothy 1:15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.