How Was Jesus a Friend to Sinners?

Kevin DeYoung has a helpful article on the idea that Jesus was a friend of sinners.This is an important issue to make sure we understand biblically as it is a doctrine which is often abused. It is true that many need to be warned that Jesus did not come for the self-righteous but sinners. However, it is also necessary that, in an age of "tolerance," we are reminded how Jesus was a friend of sinners. There are many who want to think that Jesus loved people too much to care about their sin or to call them to repentance. But this is simply not the case. I encourage you to read DeYoung's whole article. After mentioning several passages which show Jesus associating with sinners, DeYoung draws this conclusion:

Jesus was a friend of sinners not because he winked at sin, ignored sin, or enjoyed light-hearted revelry with those engaged in immorality. Jesus was a friend of sinners in that he came to save sinners and was very pleased to welcome sinners who were open to the gospel, sorry for their sins, and on their way to putting their faith in Him.