Luke 5:33

Key Reflection

In Luke 5:33, Jesus speaks directly to religious leaders who are scandalized by his interactions with sinners and tax collectors. By saying he came “not to call the righteous, but sinners,” Jesus highlights that his mission is not to condone sin but to offer forgiveness and transformation to those in need of spiritual healing. The original audience would have understood this as a challenge to their self-righteousness and an affirmation that God’s grace extends beyond the religious elite to all who recognize their need for salvation.