What is the meaning of Luke 5:32? I have not come Jesus frames His mission negatively first: “I have not come…” He is pointing to His incarnation as a deliberate arrival with purpose. • Luke 19:10 reminds us, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” • John 3:17 adds, “God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” • The wording highlights humility: the eternal Son chose to enter our world, laying aside glory (Philippians 2:6-8) to accomplish rescue. to call The verb “call” pictures a gracious summons, as when a physician calls patients to treatment or a shepherd calls sheep to safety. • Romans 8:30 speaks of those “whom He predestined, He also called,” showing the divine initiative. • 1 Peter 2:9 says believers are “called out of darkness into His marvelous light.” • Isaiah 55:1 captures the heart of the invitation: “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters.” This is not a casual suggestion but an authoritative, loving invitation that expects a response. the righteous Jesus is not suggesting some humans are truly righteous on their own—Scripture is clear: “There is no one righteous, not even one” (Romans 3:10). He is addressing those who see themselves as already upright, such as the Pharisees in the immediate context (Luke 5:30). • In Luke 18:9-14 Jesus contrasts the self-righteous Pharisee with the repentant tax collector, illustrating the danger of relying on personal virtue. • Isaiah 64:6 describes human righteousness as “filthy rags.” Those who think they are spiritually healthy will not seek the Great Physician. but sinners Here is the stunning focus of His mission: sinners—people conscious of guilt, brokenness, failure. • 1 Timothy 1:15: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.” • Romans 5:8: “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” • Luke 7:34 shows Jesus’ reputation: “a friend of tax collectors and sinners.” He moves toward the unworthy, not away from them, offering grace that transforms. to repentance The goal is not mere comfort; it is repentance—a decisive turn from sin to God. • Acts 3:19 urges, “Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away.” • 2 Peter 3:9 reveals God’s heart, “not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” • Luke 24:47 commissions the church to preach “repentance for the forgiveness of sins” to all nations. Repentance involves mind, heart, and will: admitting sin, grieving it, and choosing new obedience. It is the doorway to forgiveness and restored fellowship with God. summary Jesus declares that His earthly mission centers on calling sinners—not the self-satisfied—to a life-changing repentance. He lovingly seeks the lost, invites them to turn, and provides the grace needed for that transformation. The verse comforts the humble yet challenges the self-righteous: only those who acknowledge their need will experience the Savior’s healing call. |
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