Jesus, Friend of IRS Agents

Jesus was accused of being a friend of sinners and tax collectors. Guilty as charged. He was also a friend of prostitutes. He was not a chum or buddy. He was a friend in the sense that He saved them from their sinful life and brought them into a life of obedience. Jesus came to call sinners, not righteous people -- that is, those who think they are righteous. Those who say, "I'm a good person" will never be called by Christ until they are first convinced and convicted of their radical depravity. People who think they are good because they keep certain rules, but do not understand the radical enmity of their hearts toward God, will not be called unless their attitude is first changed. For this reason, tax collectors and prostitutes get into the kingdom before Pharisees.