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Why is Christ referred to as the friend of sinners?

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Christ is called the friend of sinners because He came to save those who recognize their need for salvation and acknowledge their sinfulness.

Throughout His ministry, Jesus demonstrated His friendship toward sinners by engaging with them, comforting them, and ultimately sacrificing Himself for them. The Pharisees disparaged Him by labeling Him as a 'friend of sinners,' but this description highlights His essential mission to save the lost. Matthew 9:10-13 underlines that He came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. This imparting of friendship emphasizes that acknowledgment of one’s sin and the desire for redemption is vital in accessing the grace of God through Christ.
Scripture References: Matthew 9:10-13, Luke 19:10

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