What does the Bible say about receiving sinners?

Throughout the New Testament, one of the core aspects of Jesus' ministry is His willingness to receive sinners, as indicated by the deriding proclamation of His enemies, 'This man receives sinners' (Luke 15:2). Far from being a disqualifier, a person’s sin is precisely why Jesus came into the world—He came to call sinners to repentance (Mark 2:17). This illustrates God’s grace and mercy, showcasing how even the chief of sinners can be redeemed, as exemplified by the Apostle Paul’s transformation (1 Timothy 1:15). Thus, the glorious truth of the gospel is that salvation is accessible to all who repent and believe, regardless of their past. Jesus’ reception of sinners exemplifies the depth of His love and the foundation of His saving grace.