MFM Daily Devotional 8th September 2025 – Jesus, Friend Of Sinners (I)

Jesus was sinners’ friend. Are you? Many of us relate with sinners the wrong way. We do not understand the ministry of reconciliation neither do we engage in this all-important ministry that Jesus committed to our hands when he was departing this world. Jesus loved sinners and befriended them. He did not love their sins nor befriend their sins. His unconditional love for sinners was to enable him save their souls and win them for the Father. Let us examine Jesus’ ministry with sinners and take a cue from our Royal Master.

Jesus was an epitome of unconditional love. He loved the loveless and gave His all to save sinners. Apostle Paul, appreciating the finished work of Jesus and the salvation of his own soul said, “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief” (1 Timothy 1:15). Beloved, if Jesus did not befriend and save Apostle Paul, a chief sinner, Christendom would have lost a great apostle, the third of the New Testament and millions of souls. Who ever thought that Mary Magdalene and the demonic or Gadara or even Zacchaeus would ever repent and add value to God’s Kingdom? Jesus, the Son of God, does not deal with us on the basis of our present condition, but on the basis of the purpose of God for our lives. He knows the end from the beginning.

A sinner today may be a saint tomorrow if you preach to him or her and intercede for him or her. A hell bound individual, family or nation may become heaven-bound tomorrow if the power of the gospel and the saving power of Jesus are taken to them. Jonah never believed that the people of Nineveh would heed the word of God and repent. I encourage you to show Christ love to sinners, preach to them and pray for them. Trust the Holy Spirit to convict and change them. You love them but the Holy Spirit does even more. Therefore, if you are the type that avoids sinners like a plague? You should have a rethink. Jesus related with them in love and succeeded in winning their souls for the Father. Can He count on you for those perishing souls?