Did Yeshua Hang Out with Sinners?

by Stephen Otto

Some liberals believe Yeshua hung out with sinners because He was inclusive and tolerant. However, this is not true; the opposite is actually the case. However, Isaiah wrote, "Behold, the hand of Yehovah is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither His ear heavy, that it cannot hear. Your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that he will not hear" (Isa. 59:1-2). 

Leviticus 19:17 states, “You shall not hate your brother in your heart. You shall surely rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin because of him.

Isaiah 58:1 states, "Cry aloud, spare not; Lift up your voice like a trumpet; Tell My people their transgression, And the house of Jacob their sins.,

James 5:19-20 adds, “Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.”

Contrary to what some people believe, Yeshua did not hang out with sinners. Rather, He interacted with them to call them to repentance as seen in His encounter with the woman who was caught in adultery (John 8:1-11).

It is important to note that even repentant sinners miss the mark and sin. In these cases, John explains, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). As long as we repent and strive to overcome our sins, we will remain in fellowship with God (Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 32:5, 12, 21). On the other hand, though, those who "practice" sin will not be saved (Matt. 7:21-23; Rom. 1:26-32).