Introduction Why Didn’t Jesus Come to Call the Righteous?
Jesus’ ministry on Earth left an indelible mark on history and faith, shaping not just the contours of Christianity but also providing moral and spiritual teachings that transcend religious boundaries. One of His most intriguing and thought-provoking statements is found in the Gospel of Matthew:
“For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Matthew 9:13)
This declaration lies at the heart of Jesus’ mission and offers profound insights into His purpose, message, and understanding of righteousness, sin, and redemption. This article will explore why Jesus made this statement, what it means for us today, and how it defines His mission.
Understanding the Context
To fully grasp Jesus’ statement, we need to understand the context in which it was spoken. In Matthew 9, Jesus was having dinner at the house of Matthew, a tax collector who had just been called to follow Him. Tax collectors were despised in Jewish society because they worked for the Roman Empire and often exploited their fellow Jews. The Pharisees were scandalized when they saw Jesus dining with tax collectors and sinners. They asked His disciples,
“Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” (Matthew 9:11)
In response, Jesus said,
“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Matthew 9:12-13).
This response highlights the core of Jesus’ mission: to bring salvation to those who are lost, broken, and in need of mercy. But why did Jesus specify that He did not come to call the righteous? Who are the “righteous,” and how does this statement shape our understanding of the gospel?
Who Are the “Righteous”?
In biblical terms, righteousness refers to being in right standing with God, living according to His commandments and laws. Throughout the Old Testament, righteousness is associated with obedience to God’s law, justice, and moral integrity. However, Jesus’ use of the term “righteous” in this context is layered with irony.
The “righteous” to whom Jesus refers are not truly righteous in the eyes of God. They are those who consider themselves righteous based on their adherence to the law, religious rituals, and outward displays of piety. The Pharisees, a religious group that prided themselves on strict observance of the law, often saw themselves as righteous because of their ability to follow religious rules and traditions.
By saying that He did not come to call the “righteous,” Jesus is addressing those who are self-righteous—those who believe they are morally superior and in no need of repentance. In reality, no one is truly righteous apart from God. As Paul later writes in Romans 3:10,
“There is no one righteous, not even one.”
Therefore, Jesus’ statement challenges the notion of self-righteousness and emphasizes the universal need for God’s grace.
What Does Jesus Mean by “Sinners”?
The term “sinners” in this context refers to those who are aware of their moral failings and their need for God’s mercy. In Jewish society, this included tax collectors, prostitutes, and other individuals who were considered outcasts or morally impure. Unlike the self-righteous, these individuals were acutely aware of their brokenness and need for forgiveness.
By associating with sinners, Jesus demonstrated the radical inclusivity of His message. He came to offer salvation to everyone, but especially to those who recognized their need for it. The sinners Jesus refers to are not just those who have committed overt sins but anyone who acknowledges their imperfection and their need for God’s grace.
The Role of Repentance
Central to Jesus’ mission was the call to repentance. Repentance is not merely feeling sorry for one’s sins but involves a complete change of heart and direction. Jesus’ association with sinners was not an endorsement of their lifestyle but an invitation to transformation. He came to offer them a way out of their sinful patterns and into a restored relationship with God.
Repentance, therefore, is key to understanding why Jesus did not come to call the righteous. Those who consider themselves righteous often see no need to repent, as they believe they are already in right standing with God. In contrast, those who acknowledge their sin are open to the message of repentance and redemption.
Jesus’ Ministry to the Marginalized
One of the most striking aspects of Jesus’ ministry was His focus on the marginalized—those who were often overlooked or despised by society. In addition to tax collectors and sinners, Jesus ministered to the poor, the sick, and the oppressed. By reaching out to these individuals, Jesus demonstrated that God’s love and mercy are available to everyone, regardless of social or moral standing.
The marginalized were more likely to respond to Jesus’ message because they had no illusions about their own righteousness. They knew they were in need of God’s mercy, and Jesus’ message of hope and redemption resonated with them.
The Pharisees and Self-Righteousness
The Pharisees, on the other hand, often represented the self-righteousness that Jesus condemned. They prided themselves on their outward observance of the law but often neglected the weightier matters of justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23). Their self-righteousness blinded them to their need for repentance and made them resistant to Jesus’ message.
In the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector (Luke 18:9-14), Jesus illustrates the contrast between self-righteousness and true humility. The Pharisee in the parable thanks God that he is not like other people—robbers, evildoers, or even the tax collector. He boasts about his religious deeds, such as fasting and tithing. In contrast, the tax collector stands at a distance, refusing to even look up to heaven. He beats his chest and prays,
“God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
Jesus concludes the parable by saying that it was the tax collector, not the Pharisee, who went home justified before God.
This parable underscores the danger of self-righteousness and the importance of humility in receiving God’s grace. The Pharisees’ refusal to acknowledge their need for repentance prevented them from receiving the salvation that Jesus offered.
Righteousness Through Faith, Not Works
One of the most revolutionary aspects of Jesus’ message was the idea that righteousness is not something that can be earned through works or adherence to the law. Instead, it is a gift that is received through faith in Jesus Christ.
Paul expands on this concept in his letters, particularly in Romans and Galatians. In Romans 3:21-22, he writes,
“But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.”
This was a radical departure from the prevailing religious thought, which emphasized obedience to the law as the means of attaining righteousness.
By stating that He did not come to call the righteous, Jesus is emphasizing that no one can achieve righteousness through their own efforts. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), and all are in need of the grace that Jesus offers.
The Inclusivity of Jesus’ Call
Jesus’ statement that He came to call sinners, not the righteous, highlights the inclusive nature of His mission. The gospel is for everyone—regardless of social status, moral history, or religious background. Jesus broke down the barriers that separated people based on their perceived righteousness and extended His invitation to all who would accept it.
This inclusivity is evident throughout the Gospels. Jesus healed the sick, cast out demons, and forgave sins without regard for the individual’s past. In doing so, He demonstrated that no one is beyond the reach of God’s love and mercy.
The Purpose of Jesus’ Mission
At its core, Jesus’ mission was about reconciliation—reconciling sinners to God through His life, death, and resurrection. By coming to call sinners, Jesus was fulfilling the promise of the Old Testament prophets, who foretold a time when God would forgive the sins of His people and restore them to Himself.
Isaiah 53:6 states,
“We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.”
Jesus took upon Himself the sins of the world so that those who believe in Him could be reconciled to God. This is the essence of the gospel: that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
One of the most beautiful illustrations of Jesus’ mission to call sinners is found in the parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:1-7). In this parable, Jesus tells the story of a shepherd who leaves his ninety-nine sheep to search for the one that is lost. When he finds the lost sheep, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and brings it back home, saying,
“Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.”
Jesus concludes the parable by saying,
“I tell you that in the same way, there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”
This parable perfectly encapsulates why Jesus did not come to call the righteous. The shepherd does not abandon the ninety-nine, but his focus is on the one who is lost—the one who requires rescue. Similarly, Jesus’ focus is on those who are spiritually lost and in need of repentance.
Conclusion: The Call to All People
In conclusion, Jesus’ statement that He did not come to call the righteous but sinners reveals the heart of His mission. He came to offer salvation to those who recognize their need for God’s mercy and are willing to repent. This message is not just for the outcasts of society but for everyone, because, as the apostle Paul reminds us,
“all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
Jesus’ mission challenges us to examine our own hearts. Are we like the Pharisees, relying on our own righteousness, or are we like the tax collectors and sinners, aware of our need for God’s grace? The good news is that Jesus extends His call to all who are willing to receive it. His invitation is open to everyone—regardless of their past, their failures, or their perceived righteousness.
In a world that often prizes self-sufficiency and moral superiority, Jesus’ message is a radical reminder that true righteousness comes not from our own efforts but from faith in Him. As we respond to His call, may we do so with humility, gratitude, and a deep awareness of our need for His grace.